Manuel Thomas: NJ man fatally stabbed by son who tried to burn the body to cover up murder

PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY: A 32-year-old man from Paramus, New Jersey was arrested on multiple charges last week for allegedly stabbing his father to death with a kitchen knife, and then trying to light his body on fire to cover it up.

According to the reports by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, on Friday, February 16, at around 5.40 pm, Paramus Police Department officers were called to a residence on Bruce Drive regarding a possible homicide, when they discovered the dead body of Manuel Thomas.

Who is Melvin Thomas? 

Paramus Police found 61-year-old Manuel Thomas inside the basement with multiple stab wounds and pronounced him dead at the scene. 

Manuel Thomas' son, Melvin Thomas, was identified as the primary suspect and was arrested the same day. Melvin who was born in the Indian state of Kerela was charged with first-degree murder, second-degree desecration of human remains, second-degree hindering, third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and fourth-degree possession of a weapon.

According to True Crime Daily, the arrest affidavit cited that Melvin Thomas admitted to police that he killed his father on Wednesday, February 14. After the stabbing, he allegedly moved Manuel's body to a bathroom where he later tried to set him on fire with a lighter. However, he was unsuccessful in doing the same. 

Melvin Thomas wanted to conceal the crime

Reports by NJ.com cite that after trying to ignite his father's body on fire, Melvin reportedly cleaned the house and the kitchen knife "in an attempt to conceal the crime."

Currently, Bergen County Jail records show that he is being held without bond. It is also reported that Manuel, whose wife died in 2021, was reportedly an insurance professional.

The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Major Crimes Unit, in conjunction with the Paramus Police Department, is actively investigating the case.