This article has been updated with additional information from this Syracuse.com story on this incident.
An Ithaca man has been charged with second-degree murder following a suspected homicide early Monday morning on South Plain Street.
At approximately 5:30 a.m., the Ithaca Police Department responded to a residence in the 400 block of South Plain Street after receiving a report of a possible cardiac arrest.
According to court records, 43-year-old Ahmed Abed allegedly attacked Alaa Husein Jeena Abedi as she slept around 5:30 a.m. Syracuse.com reports that court records state Abed smashed a cinderblock on Abedi’s head, awakening her with the impact. When she screamed and tried to defend herself, Abed allegedly took a kitchen knife from his pocket and repeatedly stabbed her in the neck and upper body, ultimately causing fatal injuries.
Abed was taken into custody shortly after the incident. According to dispatch audio, Abed arrived at Ithaca Police Department headquarters on his own shortly after the attack, where he was detained by a police officer. The audio also indicated that Abed is employed at Cornell University. Cornell’s website lists Abed as a custodian at the Humphreys Service Building, matching the dispatch audio’s description of his workplace.
In a press release, police confirmed Abed’s identity as the suspect. He has been formally charged with Murder in the Second Degree (Penal Law 125.25) and was remanded to the Tompkins County Jail without bail following an arraignment before Judge Peacock.
The investigation remains active as authorities continue to gather evidence in the case. Further details, including a possible motive, have not yet been released.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation may remain anonymous and is encouraged to contact the Ithaca Police Department through the following means:
Police Dispatch: 607-272-3245
Police Administration: 607-272-9973
Police Tipline: 607-330-0000
Anonymous Email Tip Address: www.cityofithaca.org/ipdtips