UPPER WEST SIDE, Manhattan (PIX11) -- A New York City father was stabbed to death while defending his neighbors from a group of men trying to take a puppy on Friday, according to police and the victim's sister.
Family members embraced outside the murder scene on Manhattan's Upper West Side, overwhelmed by the pain of suddenly losing a loved one.
Alfred Soto, who lived in the Tower West Apartments on 96th Street and Columbus Avenue, was killed inside the building while helping a neighbor in need.
“He died a hero in my eyes,” said Soto’s sister, who declined to give her name.
The tragedy unfolded in the morning after Soto’s downstairs neighbor made a frantic phone call. Her boyfriend and a group of men allegedly barged into her apartment, threatening her daughter and attempting to take a dog.
“He did what he had to do to protect children,” Soto’s sister explained.
Soto went into the apartment to help, his cousin said. “As he went inside, to my understanding, a scuffle broke out. He was jumped and stabbed multiple times,” said John Somwar, Soto's cousin.
The 46-year-old bled to death inside the apartment, while the suspects fled in a U-Haul truck, according to sources.
“Him trying to be a good guy, that’s how he got killed,” said Frank Ramirez, a family friend.
The murder has left neighbors in shock. “People are very upset and disappointed. We have an amazing building and a wonderful community,” said one resident.
The tragedy has compounded the family’s grief, as Soto’s mother passed away just last month.
“I’m really in disbelief and shock that this happened,” said Somwar.
“A person trying to help somebody, and they lose their life,” Ramirez added.
Soto leaves behind two adult children. One was home at the time of the incident.
“There are multiple guys out there who did this. I hope justice is served and they find them,” Soto's sister said.
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