Yonkers Man Sentenced In 2017 Movie Theater Stabbing Death

YONKERS, NY — A sentence has been handed down in the stabbing death of a Ridge Hill movie theater employee. Westchester County District Attorney Anthony A. Scarpino Jr. said Wednesday that Michael Pettiford, 17, of Yonkers was sentenced to 18 years in state prison in the 2017 stabbing death of Daij Thomas, 19, of Yonkers, who worked at the Showcase Cinema de Lux Ridge Hill in Yonkers.

Pettiford was sentenced to 18 years on one count of first-degree manslaughter and 18 years on one count of first-degree robbery, both felony. The sentences are to run concurrently.

He pleaded guilty to the charges Jan. 5, 2018.

Thomas’ mother, Sheila Hamilton, had a statement read in court by Assistant District Attorney Jonathan Strongin that characterized her son as a “young man who stood up to his responsibilities” as a son and father.

She described her son’s death as “a parent’s nightmare,” but in her statement, she said, “To Michael Pettiford, all the pain you put us through, I am forgiving you.”

Another statement made in court was by the mother of Thomas’ 3-year-old son who said the boy was asking for his father. She also added, “I forgive you, Michael,” according to the district attorney’s office.

Pettiford approach Thomas around 12:44 a.m. April 15, 2017 in the lobby of the movie house. Police said he began to question and taunt Thomas and challenged him to a fight.

Thomas decline to fight. Pettiford then grabbed his cellphone from his hand. Thomas chased after Pettiford to try to get his phone back.

A struggle took place during which Thomas was stabbed once in the chest, police said. Pettiford put Thomas’ phone in his pocket and left the movie theater.

Thomas collapsed to the floor, indicating that he could not breathe. EMTs arrived and tried to save the man’s life. He was taken to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

Police said two knives were recovered at the scene.

Pettiford was arrested by Yonkers detectives April 18, 2017.

Image via Shutterstock.