Alex Scott, 24, was arrested on suspicion of murdering and mutilating 64-year-old Kenneth Savinski. (CBS New York)
A 24-year-old has been arrested for the murder of a 64-year-old man, mutilating and strangling him the same day they met through a dating app.
According to the New York Post Alex Scott is accused of murdering antiques dealer Kenneth Savinski in New York on Wednesday, January 29, in what has been described by assistant district attorney Shira Arnow as a “vicious, ferocious, crime scene attack”.
A prosecutor alleged at his arraignment at Manhattan Criminal Court on Saturday February 1 that Scott, originally from Oklahoma, went back to Savinski’s apartment on East 83rd near Lexington Avenue after they met through the dating app, which has not been specified.
The prosecutor said: “We see the two of them on surveillance video, walking arm in arm. The victim thought this would be a romantic liaison.
“The defendant thought this would be an opportunity to rob and attack.”
Once inside the older man’s apartment, Scott allegedly stabbed him in the face and neck, hitting his carotid artery, then strangled him to death. He is also accused of mutilating Savinski’s head using a knife or a sharp ceramic object.
He then made off with the antiques dealer’s cash, credit cards and watch, the prosecutor said.
Arnow said: “Two hours after we see him go into the victim’s apartment, he leaves. On surveillance video … we see him wearing the victim’s jacket, counting cash.
“Over the next day, he used the victim’s credit cards to buy himself food, to buy new clothing and cab rides.”
On Friday, January 31, Scott walked into the Midtown North Precinct and told police “he doesn’t remember the past few days, but he thinks he may have killed someone.” He was carrying Savinski’s ID and credit cards.
Arnow said that Scott is already facing trial in his home state, Oklahoma, for an alleged sexual assault on a six-year-old boy.
He had cut off his electronic monitoring tag before travelling to New York, where he is accused of killing and mutilating Savinski.
Scott was ordered to be held without bail.