Authorities are investigating the death of a 26-year old Marietta man as a suspected homicide after he was found suffering from an apparent stab wound early Wednesday morning in Columbia Borough, Lancaster County.
The victim was identified by the Lancaster County Coroner’s Office as Anthony Stoy-Velazquez, 26, of Marietta, Pennsylvania.
According to authorities, emergency crews were called around 1:05 a.m. Wednesday, July 8, to the intersection of North Third Street and Linden Street in Columbia Borough for a report of a person found injured.
Police said they discovered Stoy-Velazquez lying in the eastbound lane of the 200 block of Linden Street with an apparent stab wound to his chest. Officers immediately began life-saving efforts, which were continued by emergency medical personnel after their arrival. Despite those efforts, Stoy-Velazquez could not be saved and was pronounced dead.
The Lancaster County Coroner’s Office said investigators responded to the scene at approximately 3:46 a.m. and officially pronounced the death of Stoy-Velazquez. His body was transported to the Lancaster County Forensic Center for further examination, and an autopsy has been scheduled as part of the investigation.
Authorities are treating the death as suspicious and are investigating it as a suspected homicide. The intersection of North Third and Linden streets, along with nearby roads, was closed for several hours while police processed the scene and gathered evidence. The area has since reopened.
The Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office said investigators are interviewing multiple potential witnesses and reviewing surveillance footage as they work to determine what led to the deadly incident.
Police are asking anyone with information related to the case to come forward and assist investigators.
The sudden death of Anthony Stoy-Velazquez has left family, friends, and members of the Columbia and Marietta communities grieving as authorities continue working to find answers and bring clarity to the circumstances surrounding his death.
