In a heated knife duel over who got to use the bathroom, a Harlem man fatally stabbed his 74-year-old uncle in their shared apartment, according to charges filed on Sunday.
Prosecutors stated that Nehemiah Terry-Peterson, 23, who was arrested in Manhattan Criminal Court on Saturday, may use the graphic combat footage to support his claim of self-defense. He is charged with manslaughter, criminal contempt, and possessing a firearm.
Assistant District Attorney Sarah Marquez stated that Terry-Peterson had previously argued with Beverly Simon, his grand-uncle by marriage, about the bathroom. Simon had to enter his nephew’s bedroom to use the bathroom, which infuriated the younger man.
Marquez claims that the latest altercation broke out at about six in the morning on Friday when Simon entered Terry-Peterson’s bedroom to use the facilities. According to the prosecutor, Terry-Peterson took something from his rucksack and placed it in his pocket as Simon exited the room. Simon later returned, lunging at his nephew as he begged him to go while brandishing a huge knife.
According to Marquez, Simon turned as though to go and then snatched a pair of scissors from a drawer. At that point, according to the lawsuit, Terry-Peterson allegedly forced Simon out of his bedroom and closed the door after slashing him in the chest with a knife.
Marquez said that Simon died on the floor of his own bedroom moments later.
About five minutes of surveillance tape appear to support Terry-Peterson’s claim of self-defense, but Marquez said investigators have discovered gaps in the tape and are still looking.
