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An argument of an unknown nature resulted in a Lower Moyamensing man allegedely stabbing another shortly after midnight New Year’s Day.
Santo Mancuso, 53, of the 1000 block of Ritner Street, is believed to have killed Joseph Testa, 77, on his street, which is the 2500 block of South Jessup Street, Officer Jill Russell of Police Public Affairs said. Testa was transported to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania where he was pronounced dead at 12:49 a.m. while Mancuso was arrested at the scene.
“We don’t know what type of argument … other than there’s been bad blood between these families for two years,” Homicide Lt. Philip Riehl said Tuesday noting police have been called to the location previously.
The fight began with some woman shoving each other and then some men becoming involved, Riehl said. Testa was not part of the fight, but tried to break it up when he was stabbed at least twice — once in the side and once in the chest.
Mancuso also had been hospitalized with a head injury, Riehl said.
Mancuso was charged with murder, possession of an instrument of crime and resisting arrest.
To report information, call Homicide Division at 215-686-3334 or visit www.phillypolice.com/forms.
Contact Managing Editor Amanda L. Snyder at asnyder@southphillyreview.com or ext. 117.
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