Arrest made in Paramus homicide after 61-year-old man found dead, prosecutor says

A 32-year-old man has been arrested on murder charges after a 61-year-old man was found dead with stab wounds in a Bruce Drive home on Friday, the prosecutor stated.

Melvin Thomas, of Paramus, was taken into custody in the death of Manuel Thomas after the deceased was found dead in the basement of the home around 5:40 pm by Paramus police officers, the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office stated.

The victim had sustained multiple stab wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene. The prosecutor's office did not state the relationship between the victim and the accused, but neighbours said that a father and son lived in the home.

Melvin Thomas has been charged with first-degree murder, desecration of human remains, hindering, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and possession of a weapon. He is being held at the Bergen County Jail pending a court appearance.

Police were seen investigating the area of Bruce Drive on Friday evening as they cordoned off a portion of the street with yellow tape. Several police vehicles and a major crime unit truck were on the scene. Two police cars blocked the roadways entering Bruce Drive.

A crowd of neighbours watched the police from a distance. One resident said she saw police arrive with firearms drawn and walk down the street which caused her to be alarmed.

"This is something you hardly see in Paramus," said one man. "There have been minor burglaries, but never a homicide."

Melvin Thomas is the eldest son of the man who was murdered.