A 40-year-old Staten Island man, Jonathan Griffin, was arrested Monday evening for the July 2 murder of Kycell Terry, 25. Police apprehended Griffin at a pizzeria near the Staten Island ferry terminal, where he was reportedly eating pizza.
Griffin was questioned by law enforcement about the fatal stabbing that occurred inside his ex-girlfriend's apartment in Port Richmond. Sources indicated that Griffin quickly identified himself to the officers and surrendered.
He has been charged with second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, tampering with physical evidence, and criminal contempt, according to a criminal complaint. Authorities allege that Griffin stabbed Terry multiple times in the stomach with a sharp instrument between 3 and 4 a.m. on July 2. The incident took place in the victim's apartment, where Griffin was present in violation of an existing order of protection.
According to sources, Griffin, his ex-girlfriend, and Terry were drinking together before the alleged stabbing. The ex-girlfriend reportedly fell asleep and discovered Terry stabbed and unconscious around 7 a.m. Griffin was no longer at the scene at that time. The woman then sought help from a neighbor, who called 911. Terry was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical services.
Griffin, who is also accused of tampering with the murder weapon, was ordered held without bail during his arraignment on Tuesday. Police records indicate that Griffin has approximately 25 previous arrests dating back to 2002. He was also arrested on Monday for an alleged incident involving property damage at a Castleton Avenue deli on June 20. In 2012, Griffin was arrested for possession of a loaded gun in East Harlem.