LANCASTER, Pa — Lancaster City Police have charged two teenagers in connection to the stabbing deaths of two men inside their Poplar Street home on Sunday morning.
According to police, Joshua Michael Proper, 18, and Juan Cristo-Munoz Jr., 19, both of Lancaster, are facing multiple charges including Criminal Homicide.
Police say around 1:05 a.m., the teenagers broke into the home at 627 Poplar Street through a first floor window. Detectives say the suspects demanded money from two men inside the home and then repeatedly stabbed them in the chest.
A third resident of the home fled out a window and called 911 after hearing someone inside. That man was on the roof when officers arrived.
Inside the home, officers found both victims deceased. They are identified as 61-year old Leroy Kinsey and 62-year old Richard Walton. Both men lived at the home.
As officers continued to secure the house, they found the suspects, Proper and Cristo-Munoz Jr., hiding in the basement. Police say the teens had blood on their clothing and items that belonged to both of the victims. They were both taken to the Lancaster City Police station for further questioning.
Through the investigation, police discovered the suspects did not live at the house. They broke in, demanded cash and then killed the victims. When they heard patrol officers outside, they hid in the basement.
Proper and Cristo-Munoz are charged with Criminal Homicide, Burglary, Criminal Conspiracy (to Commit Burglary) and Robbery.
Investigators credit these arrests to the rapid response of the first responding patrol officers who arrived on the scene within minutes and were able to secure the scene very quickly, before the suspects were able to flee the residence. The officers’ actions made it possible for the suspects to be apprehended, in a case that could have easily proven very difficult to solve.
While two arrests have been made, the investigation into this incident is continuing and anyone with any information is asked to call the Lancaster City Police at (717) 735-3300 or Lancaster City-County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-322-1913. You can also click the Submit a Tip button on our website, www.lancasterpolice.com, or Text a Tip to Crime Stoppers by texting LANCS plus your message to 847411. Tipsters may remain anonymous and do not have to give their names.
