Police have opened a homicide investigation in the death of a man found with his throat slashed at the scene of a fire on 56th Street last Tuesday, according to Jesus Pintos, deputy inspector of the 72nd precinct. It looks, sadly, like Sunset Park is following a recent uptick in murders throughout the city.

Burglaries in the 72nd Precinct are up 120 percent from this time last year, due in large part to a recent spate in Sunset Park. Shoddy locks and improper safety measures have a lot to do with it, Inspector Pintos said. Police recommend taking basic precautions–make sure doors are shut properly when you leave the house, and replace old or flimsy locks and bolts.

Two men in their early 20s were badly stabbed near Greenwood Cemetery on March 16, the Inspector said. Carlos Perez and Fernando Simon were walking along on 26th Street between Fourth and Fifth Avenues when they were confronted by one or two men. Perez and Simon were rushed to Lutheran hospital where last week they remained in critical condition. Police said the investigation is ongoing.

Things do look a bit grim, but here is some perspective: while crime may be up 12.32 percent this year in the 72nd precinct, it is down 21.92 percent from this time in 2008.

The stabbing that took place last Sunday, Oct. 4, does not appear to have been gang related. There have been several misunderstandings and errors on this incident, including my own, here and here. The Post and Village Voice have also reported on Sunset Park’s most recent homicide. The following is the version offered by the 72nd Precinct at the Community Council meeting of October 12th:

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As some of you may have seen, the Village Voice covered last week’s stabbing. The Post also followed up.

Here’s what they had to add:

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Note–earlier, the headline incorrectly says “Gang-Related” stabbing. I have since discovered that is not the case. See more here.

One man was stabbed to death and two others injured during a gang fight in Sunset Park, according to Tuesday’s New York Post Police Blotter. On Sunday night at 61 Street and 7th Ave an unidentified victim was “slashed in the arm.” He was taken to Lutheran Hospital, where he died from his injuries. Two others, also stabbed, were listed as stable.

The Post reported that Nelson Liu, 19, was picked up for murder and criminal possession of a weapon. Police have arrested a second person in connection with the crime, according to the blog Best View in Brooklyn.

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