36-year-old Arraigned in Stabbing Death

Joseph Graham of Yonkers pleaded not guilty Monday to charges of manslaughter and criminal possession of a weapon at an arraignment connected to the stabbing death in September of Clarence Vanhook.

At 4:07 p.m. Sept. 12, Graham and Vanhook were both outside 5 South Broadway in Yonkers, according to Acting Westchester County District Attorney James A. McCarty. The two men got into a confrontation. Prosecutors allege Graham, who is 36, stabbed Vanhook, 49, in the chest with a large knife, striking the victim in the heart.

Vanhook, who police said lived at 1 Hudson St. in Yonkers, was rushed to St. Joseph’s Medical Center where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

Shortly thereafter, police saw Graham, who matched the description given by witnesses, walking northbound on North Broadway. After subsequent investigation, Graham was placed into custody.

Graham, of 358 Nepperhan Ave., continues to be held in jail. His next court date is Oct. 19.

He is considered incident unless proven guilty. If convicted, he faces a maximum of 25 years in state prison