Indian American man arrested in connection with father’s murder in New Jersey

Melvin Thomas charged with first-degree murder; victim’s body found two days after homicide.

A 32-year-old Indian American man, Melvin Thomas, has been arrested in connection with the death of his 61-year-old father, Manuel V. Thomas, in their Paramus, New Jersey, home.

The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office has charged Melvin Thomas with first-degree murder, alongside several related offenses.

According to local news reports, Melvin Thomas, who is unemployed, was the one to call the police regarding the incident.

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The Thomases are immigrants from the Indian state of Kerala. A social media handle used by Thomas stated that he was an alumnus of St. Stephen’s College Uzhavoor in the Kottayam district, in south-central Kerala.

The tragic incident unfolded on Friday, February 16, 2024, when the Paramus Police Department responded to a call about a potential homicide at 693 Bruce Drive. Upon arrival, officers discovered the lifeless body of Manuel V. Thomas in the basement of the residence. Manuel Thomas had sustained multiple stab wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Melvin Thomas was swiftly identified as a suspect and taken into custody by Paramus police officers. He is currently being held at Bergen County Jail awaiting his first appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack.

Reports suggest that the homicide occurred on February 14, with Manuel’s body remaining undiscovered in the home for two days. Manuel, whose wife died in 2021, was reportedly an insurance professional.

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NorthJersey.Com reported that Melvin Thomas faced charges of first-degree murder, desecration of human remains, hindering, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, as well as possession of a weapon.

Melvin Thomas has been charged with first-degree murder, desecration of human remains, hindering, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and possession of a weapon. He is being held at the Bergen County Jail pending a court appearance.

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The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Major Crimes Unit, in conjunction with the Paramus Police Department, is actively investigating the case. Further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the homicide are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.