The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office charged 53-year-old Coy Thomas in the fatal stabbing of 93-year-old veteran Lafayette Dailey, who was found with multiple stab wounds inside his home in early December. Investigators say the suspect fled in Dailey’s white Chrysler 300, later sold the vehicle for $900, and attempted unauthorized debit-card transactions days later. Surveillance reportedly shows a person entering the property on Dec. 3 and leaving in the vehicle about 10 minutes later. A preliminary hearing is set for Dec. 29, 2025.
Suspect Charged in Fatal Stabbing of 93-Year-Old Philadelphia Veteran; Allegedly Sold His Car
Suspect charged in grisly murder of 93-year-old military veteran found stabbed to death in his home
The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office announced Monday that authorities have charged a suspect in the brutal killing of 93-year-old military veteran Lafayette Dailey, who was found fatally stabbed inside his Philadelphia home in early December.
Lafayette Dailey, 93, died in a stabbing homicide early December in Philadelphia.
What Happened
According to the DA’s Homicide and Non-Fatal Shootings Unit and the Philadelphia Police Department, Dailey was discovered with multiple stab wounds to his chest and head after officers conducted a welfare check at his residence on Dec. 5. Investigators reported visible signs of a struggle inside the home and that Dailey was unresponsive when found. The DA’s office said he had suffered head trauma and multiple stab wounds to the chest.
Coy Thomas has been charged in the brutal slaying of an elderly veteran in Philadelphia.
Suspect, Charges and Allegations
Prosecutors identified the accused as Coy Thomas, 53. Thomas has been charged with murder, robbery, possession of an instrument of crime, unauthorized use of a vehicle, and theft and receipt of stolen property. Authorities allege Thomas fled the scene in Dailey’s white Chrysler 300, later sold the vehicle for $900, and attempted unauthorized transactions using the victim’s debit card.
A white Chrysler 300 parked outside a home in Philadelphia.
Investigation Details
Family members and staff at the senior center Dailey attended reported him missing, prompting a welfare check on Dec. 5. Officers observed that the veteran’s Chrysler 300 was missing from the property. Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators reportedly shows a person entering the property on Dec. 3 at about 11:00 a.m. and leaving in the vehicle roughly 10 minutes later. Detectives described the suspect as a Black male wearing a black jacket, white hoodie, red sweatpants and white sneakers.
Lafayette Dailey, 93, was found with multiple lacerations to the head and chest.
Detectives said attempted unauthorized transactions using Dailey’s debit card were recorded on Dec. 8, three days after the body was found. The vehicle was located on Dec. 9 and was reportedly sold to a man for $900.
“It shouldn’t be the case that Mr. Dailey, a 93-year-old who is a staple to his family, friends, and community, is murdered so callously and senselessly right in his own home,” said Senator Sharif Street (District 3).
Assistant District Attorney Ashley Toczylowski of the Homicide and Non-Fatal Shootings Unit said prosecutors will work to hold Thomas “accountable for this terrible crime.”
A preliminary hearing for Coy Thomas is scheduled for Dec. 29, 2025. The District Attorney’s Office and the Philadelphia Police Department were contacted for additional comment.
