Police Nab Suspect In Fatal Robbery Of Elderly Bed-Stuy Couple

BEDFORD-STUYVESANT, BROOKLYN — Police have arrested the missing suspect in a fatal home invasion that cost a 100-year-old Bed-Stuy woman her husband and a 91-year-old man his life.

Howard Morris, 43, was charged with murder, assault and burglary Friday for his part in a Decatur Street home invasion that caused 91-year-old Waldiman Thompson’s death on Oct. 11, said police.

Police have been hunting for Morris since October, when they first uncovered surveillance images of the Brooklyn man carrying a lockbox investigators believe belonged to Waldiman and Ethlin Thompson.

The attack was planned by Suzette Troutman — a former health aide to the elderly couple — and carried out with the help of her 27-year-old nephew, Dwayne Blackwood, 27, according to the Brooklyn District Attorney's office.

Police believe the trio tied up the Thompsons, put a bag over Waldiman Thompson’s head and caused the trauma that resulted in his death.

Ethlin and Waldiman Thompson

Police identified the suspects from surveillance video — taken outside Blackwood's home after the attack — that showed Troutman, Blackwood, Morris and a child unloading numerous items from a Nissan and into Blackwood's home, according to police.

Troutman and Blackwood were arrested and charged with murder, assault, and burglary in 2017.

Waldiman Thompson, who was memorialized at the Hanson Place Seventh Day Adventist Church in Fort Greene, was remembered as a father who provided for his children.

"He always made sure food was on the table and books were available,” said Thompson's son, Delroy Thompson. "My father had some great life."

Photo courtesy of the NYPD and by Kathleen Culliton