Suspect identified after 93-year-old man found stabbed to death in Philadelphia

Police said they have identified a suspect in the killing of a 93-year-old man who was found stabbed to death earlier this month in Philadelphia’s Nicetown neighborhood.

Officers were called to a home on the 4500 block of North 16th Street just before 3 p.m. on Friday, December 5, 2025. When they arrived, medics were already on scene and had discovered the victim, 93-year-old Lafayetter Dailey, dead.

According to investigators, Dailey suffered a chest laceration and head trauma. A post-mortem examination later determined he died from multiple stab wounds, and his death was ruled a homicide.

Detectives also learned that Dailey’s wallet, car keys and vehicle were missing. The vehicle was recovered several days later.

Following their investigation, police identified 53-year-old Coy Thomas, whose last known address is on Ashmed Place, as the suspect in the case.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Thomas is urged to contact the Homicide Unit at 215-686-3334 or submit an anonymous tip by calling 215-686-TIPS (8477).

A $20,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to an arrest and conviction, police shared.