LANCASTER, Pa. — Police have arrested a suspect in connection to a deadly stabbing in Lancaster.
The Lancaster City Bureau of Police says officers responded to the 400 block of East Chestnut Street in Lancaster just after 11:30 p.m. on July 11 for a report of a stabbing.
The victim was taken to a hospital for treatment, where he succumbed to his injuries. Police identified the victim as Brett Smith.
Officers announced this morning that the stabbing and charges have been upgraded to a homicide and Wilfredo Rodriguez, 44, is in custody.
According to a criminal complaint, police were able to access Ring footage that shows Rodriguez approach Smith and demand his personal belongings while threatening him. Rodriguez is then allegedly seen stabbing Smith multiple times before taking his wallet from his hand and running.
Witnesses were able to identify a man seen walking with Rodriguez earlier in the day and when he approached the victim, according to an affidavit of probable cause. The man initially claimed he only asked Rodriguez for a cigarette, but he allegedly eventually admitted to police that he knew Rodriguez. Officers found Rodriguez hiding in the man's home, wearing boots splattered with blood.
Rodriguez is charged with murder of the first degree, murder of the second degree, murder of the third degree, robbery - inflict serious bodily injury and terroristic threats with intent to terrorize another. Court records show that Rodriguez was denied bail and remains in Lancaster County Prison.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact police by calling 717-735-3300 or leaving an anonymous tip through Crimewatch.