Victim Of Fatal Daytime Stabbing In Downtown New Haven Identified, Suspect Still At Large: NHPD

NEW HAVEN, CT — A 37-year-old New Haven man has been identified by police as the victim of the fatal stabbing Wednesday afternoon around 3 p.m., near the New Haven Green on Temple and Elm streets, across from the public library.

According to police spokesperson Officer Christian Bruckhart, the victim, Michael Spencer, and an as yet unidentified man had an altercation inside the New Haven Free Public Library main branch. Library security "intervened and removed both subjects from the premises," Bruckhart said.

"However, after the two were removed from the library, another altercation ensued between them on the New Haven Green, at the intersection of Elm and Temple streets, during which the unidentified male stabbed Spencer several times,'" Bruckhart said.

Police shared several surveillance photos of the man they described as Hispanic and said he was "reportedly last seen walking in the area of Howe Street towards George Street."

Spencer, who was stabbed multiple times, was rushed to Yale New Haven Hospital, where he died from his injuries, police said.

Spencer's family has been notified, police said.

Police ask that anyone who may have witnessed this incident or who may have information that may be valuable to investigators call detectives at 203-946-6304 or through the department's anonymous tip line at 866-888-TIPS (8477).