Man allegedly killed neighbors in NYC building and stabbed dog

BROOKLYN, NY (PIX11) — A man is accused of stabbing his neighbor and injuring his dog during a bloody attack in their Brooklyn building Friday, authorities said.

Anthony Sabato, 27, is accused of killing 37-year-old Thomas Machalchick and stabbed the victim’s dog to death in the apartment building on Sands Street between Jay and Pearl streets that serves as a shelter for formerly homeless people around 8 a.m., according to the NYPD.

Machalchick was stabbed multiple times in his apartment, including in the stomach, according to prosecutors. He was taken to hospital but could not be saved. The puppy was stabbed in the upper left shoulder and was treated at a veterinary clinic.

Sabato and the victim got into an argument after the suspect tried to snatch Machalchick’s cellphone before the fatal attack, prosecutors said. According to court documents, Sabato was caught on surveillance leaving the victim’s apartment and walking toward his apartment with a knife in his hand.

The suspect barricaded himself in his apartment before police arrested him at the scene, authorities said. While in custody, Sabato allegedly admitted to stabbing his neighbor and the dog, prosecutors said.

According to court records, Sabato was charged with murder, robbery, cruelty or injury to animals, illegal possession of a firearm and illegal possession of stolen property.

He pleaded not guilty at arraignment on Saturday and is being held without bail.

Sabato’s lawyer could not be immediately reached on Monday.