74-Year-Old Victim Critically Injured After Alleged Knife Attack; Suspect Faces Attempted Murder Charge
Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 10:00 A.M. ET. 3 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
WALLINGTON, NJ.- Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella reported that following a swift-moving investigation, Sean McAvinue, 42, of Wallington, New Jersey, was taken into custody and jailed after being charged in connection with an apparent domestic-related stabbing that left a 74-year-old man with life-threatening injuries.
According to authorities, the arrest follows a joint investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Chief Jeff Angermeyer, and the Wallington Police Department, led by Chief Ireneusz Kluska.
Emergency Response and Discovery;
On Saturday, April 18, 2026, at approximately 10:51 a.m., officers from the Wallington Police Department responded to a medical call reporting an individual experiencing difficulty breathing at a residence on Strong Street, in the Borough.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a 74-year-old male suffering from multiple stab wounds to his torso and leg. Emergency responders transported the victim to HMH Hackensack University Medical Center, where he was initially listed in critical condition. Authorities later confirmed that the victim’s condition has been upgraded to stable.
At the scene, officers also encountered a 42-year-old male outside the residence, later identified as McAvinue. He exhibited an apparent injury to his hand and had visible blood on his clothing. McAvinue was taken into custody at the scene and transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Investigation And Allegations;
Detectives from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit responded to the location and initiated a joint investigation. The Bergen County Sheriff’s Office assisted at the scene.
Authorities allege that during the course of the incident, McAvinue used multiple kitchen knives to stab the victim a total of eight times. The victim sustained wounds to the head, torso, and legs, according to investigators.
While officials have characterized the incident as domestic in nature, specific details regarding the relationship between the suspect and the victim have not been publicly disclosed.
Charges And Legal Proceedings;
Following the investigation, McAvinue was formally charged later that same day with multiple offenses under New Jersey law, including:
- First-degree Attempted Murder
- Second-degree Aggravated Assault
- Third-degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose
McAvinue has been remanded to the custody of the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office pending his first court appearance in Bergen County Superior Court in Hackensack, New Jersey.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding a possible motive as the investigation remains ongoing.
Ongoing Investigation;
The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office has indicated that the case remains active, and further information may be released as it becomes available. Officials have not disclosed whether additional charges could be filed.
Editor’s Note:
This article is based on official statements released by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office. All charges against the defendant are accusations. Under U.S. law, Sean McAvinue is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Information may be updated as more details are confirmed.