Suspect in NYC Attacks Described as 'Lonely' by Neighbors as Hate Crime Probe Continues

Neighbors of the man suspected in two violent attacks on New York City's Upper West Side described him as "lonely" but "super cordial," as law enforcement officials intensify their investigation into a potential hate crime.

Raul Morales, 51, is accused of stabbing two men on Thursday in separate incidents on the Upper West Side. One of the victims was a Jewish man wearing a yarmulke, and the other was an Asian man. During the attacks, Morales allegedly yelled "Allahu Akbar!" in Arabic, according to reports.

Residents of the Amsterdam Avenue apartment building where Morales lived expressed shock at his alleged involvement. "Never displayed anything," said Tony J, 54, a neighbor who had known Morales for years. "That’s why when I seen him yesterday coming out the building in handcuffs, I was like, ‘What the f–k is he locked up for?’ It blew my mind." Tony described Morales as "always nice" and "super, super cordial," adding, "I have not the slightest idea" if he had a mental break, but acknowledged, "you never know what goes through people’s minds."

Another resident, Carlos Ramos, 73, who had seen Morales around the building periodically, was equally surprised. Ramos noted that Morales "was a lonely person all the time. Lonely. I see him alone." He added that he didn't believe Morales was racist, citing the presence of many Jewish families in the neighborhood.

Authorities executed a search warrant on Morales' apartment following his arrest. While he was in custody, no charges had been formally filed as of Friday evening as investigators worked to gather further evidence. This included reviewing surveillance footage of the assaults to strengthen potential charges, including those related to a hate crime, according to law-enforcement sources.

Morales has a prior criminal record, including two years in state prison in the mid-1990s for drug charges. He also has at least two arrests for drug possession and five prior sealed arrests, sources said. The investigation is ongoing as police seek to build a comprehensive case against him.