WHITE PLAINS – A Yonkers
man, Friday, pled guilty in Westchester County Court to stabbing another
man to death in the Ridge Hill Movie Theater in Yonkers.
Michael Pettiford, 16, pled guilty to killing Daij Thomas, who was seated
in the lobby of the Showcase Cinema de Lux Ridge Hills.
On April 15, 2017, Pettiford began to question Thomas and then challenged
him to a fight. When Thomas declined the invitation, Pettiford grabbed
the victim’s cell phone from his hand. The victim chased Pettiford
in an attempt to get the phone back; a struggle ensued during which Pettiford
stabbed Thomas once in the chest.
Thomas died later at a local hospital.
Two knives were recovered at the scene.
On April 18 Yonkers detectives located Pettiford and arrested him at a
Yonkers Avenue apartment. A search warrant was obtained and evidence was
collected.
When sentenced in March, Pettiford faces 18 years in state prison.
