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…
