A 25-year-old youth soccer coach was fatally stabbed on 14th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues on Sunday morning.
The Daily News reports Michael Jones, who worked as an instructor for the youth team of the New York Red Bulls, was arguing with a man at roughly 4:30AM on 14th Street. The man, who cops say had a ponytail, then suddenly slashed Jones in the neck and torso.
Police are now searching for the suspect and have released a surveillance video to help track him down.
A police official said, "It was a frenzy. The guy was chopped multiple times. He cut the guy’s ear off. It doesn’t get any more personal than that.”
He was taken to Bellevue Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Originally from Liverpool, Jones was reportedly a dedicated and popular coach.
A woman whose son was coached by Jones described, "He had the patience of a saint with these kids. We’re devastated. How do you explain to children 8 years old what happened? You can’t, because it’s a senseless crime."
The Red Bulls said in a statement, "On behalf of the entire organization, want to send our most heartfelt condolences to Michael’s family, friends and loved ones. He was a tremendous individual, a fantastic coach who loved soccer and a terrific friend for many of us.”
The attacker behind the vicious stabbing is believed to be a Hispanic male between 25 and 30-years-old. Police say robbery is not suspected as a motive.