Channel 7 is reporting tonight that police have arrested a suspect in the brutal murder of Jomali Morales at the Baruch Houses last month. According to the story, 19-year old Markeece Dunning confessed to the crime and has been charged with second degree murder. Dunning has been arrested 11 previous times on various allegations, including drug possession, trespassing and gang assault.
Morales’ body was found in an elevator at the public housing development February 12th. She had been stabbed 20 times. It’s unclear whether Dunning, a Baruch resident, and Morales knew each other before the night of the murder. Just last week, 7th Precinct Deputy Inspector Nancy Barry pleaded with the public for information about the crime.
Morales grew up on the Lower East Side. Her mother, Petra Vitale, still lives on Grand Street. More details to come…
God is big justice has been served. thanks to the police who investigated my friends murder. jomali i love you always and i miss you everday
We all miss you so much Jomali <3 You were truly like family to me. The "man" that did this to you was not human and deserves worse than hell. I love you.
Jomali I’m so upset that I didn’t have a chance to you see you and something like this happens. You were truly my friend. I will never forget you or the good times we had growing up. God is good they caught the animal that did this to you. I hope and pray he meets his match. You are truly missed. Until we meet again. xoxoxoxo
Jane & Family
HE IS AN ANIMAL with no regard to human life. I knew Jomali and she was a sweet, caring person. She didn’t deserve to be BRUTALLY MURDERED no matter what she was doing in that apartment and that is THE ONLY TRUTH THAT NEEDS TO BE TOLD!!!!!