Montco Man Fatally Stabs Brother-In-Law After Birthday Party: DA

NORRISTOWN, PA — A Norristown man stabbed his brother-in-law to death after an argument early Sunday morning, authorities said.

Juan Tox Caal, 19, has been arrested on charges of first degree murder and related counts. Rolando Popascul, 22, was killed, and 27-year-old Carlos Cocul was severely injured.

The incident occurred at around 2:07 a.m. Sunday on Haws Avenue near West Airy Street.

The men had been together at a birthday party earlier in the evening on Haws Avenue, during which Caal and Popsacal had argued police said. The argument was about Caal wanting to divorce his wife, Popsacal's sister, who lives in Guatemala, the DA's office said.

Caal later told police that when he left the party about 30 minutes after the argument, he saw Cocul and Popascul outside. He went back inside, got a knife from the kitchen, and hid it in his waistband, according to the affidavit of probable cause. He said he saw Popascul had a knife in his pocket.

Once outside, Caal stabbed Cocul and then Popascul before fleeing the scene.

Popascul was declared dead at the scene. Cocul was taken by helicopter to Penn Presbyterian for treatment. He remains there in critical condition Monday.

Caal was booked at Montgomery County Correctional Facility. A preliminary hearing is set for Oct. 2.