The stabbing death of a 53-year-old man outside a Bronx pizzeria appears to have been unprovoked, police said Tuesday as they released sureillance footage of the on-the-loose suspect.
George Ennin was stabbed multiple times near E. 157th St. and Third Ave. in Melrose about 2 p.m. Monday, cops said.
His killer ran off, but not before being captured on surveillance video. The NYPD released that footage Tuesday and asked the public’s help identifying the suspect and tracking him down.
The suspect was wearing a bicycle helmet and a black jacket adorned with white designs and lettering.
Medics rushed Ennin, who was about three blocks from home when he was attacked, to Lincoln Hospital, where he died a short time later. Invesitgators believe the killing was unprovoked, police said Tuesday.
Juan Reyes, 49, Enin’s friend and the superintendent of his apartment building, told the Daily News the victim had recently returned from a month-long vacation in Africa.
“He was a very nice guy,” Reyes said. “It’s sad, very sad. Everyone liked and respected him.”
Enin worked as a security guard, had two grown daughters and had lived in his building for more than a decade, according to Reyes.
“It’s senseless,” Reyes said of his slaying.
Ricky Javier, 24, was managing the pizza parlor on the corner when he heard a commotion outside.
“I heard the screams,” Javier told the Daily News. “By the time I got to him, he was down by the bus stop against the wall, holding himself.”
A trail of blood could be seen from the corner to about 15 feet down the sidewalk.
“Later I heard he was dead,” Javier said. “I saw the stabber run south on Third Ave. and then turn west on E. 157th St.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.
