Nathaniel Thomas III Brooklyn NY Death – 45-year-old church choir singer from Brooklyn, was tragically stabbed to death on his daily walk to buy a newspaper on Wednesday morning.
The incident occurred around 8 a.m. near Avenue K and E. 53rd St. in the Flatlands neighborhood, just six blocks from the home he shared with his ailing mother.
Thomas, known for his daily routine of walking to get a newspaper—a habit he adopted from his late father—was attacked by his next-door neighbor, Shakel Maldonado, 24.
Maldonado stabbed Thomas multiple times in the head and torso, leading to his death. The fatal confrontation was rooted in a long-standing dispute between Thomas and Maldonado over loud music that had disturbed Thomas’ sick mother.
A year earlier, the two had clashed, with Maldonado allegedly threatening to “get” Thomas after nearly slapping him during an argument. Despite the threats, Thomas chose not to press charges at the time, and Maldonado was instead taken to a hospital for psychiatric evaluation.
Community and Family Reactions
Thomas was a beloved figure in his community and a dedicated member of the Love Fellowship Tabernacle in East New York, where he had been a fixture since childhood. He was known for his love of music, the arts, and his deep faith in God. His tragic death has left his family and church community in shock and mourning.
Family members expressed their heartbreak and disbelief over the senseless violence. Thomas’ cousin, Bernice, emphasized his loving nature and the pain of losing him, particularly for his mother, who is still unaware of the details surrounding his death.
Church members also shared their grief, remembering Thomas as a kind, considerate, and gentle person who was deeply involved in the church’s activities, including performing and recording with gospel star Hezekiah Walker.
Legal Proceedings
Maldonado, who has no prior criminal history, was arrested and charged with murder and weapon possession. He pleaded not guilty during his arraignment in Brooklyn Criminal Court and is being held without bail. Thomas’ family, still grappling with their loss, expressed a desire for justice, with Bernice stating that Maldonado deserves a life sentence for taking her cousin’s life.
In a poignant final post on Facebook, made just hours before his death, Thomas expressed his gratitude to God for being able to “meet every need and make anything that’s wrong right again.”