PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Police say the suspect in a fatal double stabbing this week in the city’s Lawncrest section is the husband of one of the victims.
Police Staff Inspector Ernest Ransom shared those details at a Thursday morning press conference at police headquarters. He says Leandro Barbarena, 43, is charged with two counts of murder in the stabbing of his wife, Alma Barbarena, 58, and her 75-year-old mother Angela Trejo.
According to Ransom, Alma was at her mother’s house on the 6000 block of Bingham Street, near Comly Street on Tuesday to help Trejo with a telehealth appointment when Barbarena allegedly stabbed both women. He says Barberena called 911 to report finding both women in the basement unresponsive and covered in blood.
When police arrived on scene shortly after 1:30 p.m., they found Barbarena with multiple cuts to his hands, while his wife had defensive wounds on her hands and arms.
Authorities say a bloody glove was also found at the scene and a matching glove was found when a search warrant was executed on Leandro’s car. Alma’s father was also inside the home at the time of the stabbing, but is ill and not helpful to investigators.
Police believe the stabbing happened between 11 a.m. and noon, based on video evidence, witness statements, and Barbarena’s 911 call. Barbarena is also charged with possession of an instrument of crime, tampering with evidence and obstruction of justice.
Barbarena, who is in custody, has no criminal history. Police also say there were never any previous reports of domestic incidents involving the Barbarena family. They are still working to determine a motive.