Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr. today announced the indictment of ANTHONY JORDAN, 63, for repeatedly and fatally stabbing 47-year-old Michael Smith, his longtime friend, in East Harlem. JORDAN is charged in a New York State Supreme Court indictment with one count of Murder in the Second Degree and one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree. [1] The investigation into the incident, including JORDAN’S motive, remains ongoing. 

“As alleged, Anthony Jordan viciously stabbed his longtime friend after showing up unannounced and with a weapon,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Although the investigation remains ongoing as to why Mr. Smith’s life was tragically taken, we will work diligently and tirelessly to ensure accountability in this case. My thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the victim as they continue grieving such an insurmountable loss.”  

According to court documents and statements made on the record in court, on March 17, 2024, at approximately 12:20 p.m., JORDAN went to a friend’s apartment, where Mr. Smith was staying, near East 132nd Street and Park Avenue. Once JORDAN reached the apartment, he asked for Mr. Smith and walked to the living room. Moments later, JORDAN approached Mr. Smith with a knife, which he was carrying, and struggled with him for control.   

During the struggle, Mr. Smith fell to the ground, onto his back. JORDAN knelt on top of Mr. Smith, grabbed the knife and repeatedly stabbed him in the torso. Mr. Smith suffered from several stab wounds, including eight to his torso and one to his arm, as well as cuts to his abdomen and hand. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.  

JORDAN fled the scene, walking out of the apartment and down a nearby stairwell. He was arrested two days later, at his home.   

Assistant D.A.s Hannah Yu (Chief of the Hate Crimes Unit) and Katelyn Damanis (Trial Bureau 60) are handling the prosecution of this case, under the supervision of Assistant D.A. Charles Whitt (Trial Bureau 60) and Executive Assistant D.A. Lisa DelPizzo (Chief of the Trial Division). Hate Crimes Unit Senior Investigative Analysts Julie Anne Lim, Zoe Fleishaker, and Investigative Analysts George Nighswander and Caleb Brown, as well as Trial Bureau 60 Trial Preparation Assistant Diana Argilagos are assisting with the case.   

D.A. Bragg thanked the NYPD, the members of the 25th Precinct Detective Squad, in particular Detective Michael Rodriguez, the police officers of the 25th Precinct, and the detectives of the Warrants Squad and of the Manhattan North Homicide Squad.      

Defendant Information:
ANTHONY JORDAN
New York, NY

Charged:

• Murder in the Second Degree, a class A-I felony, one count
• Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, a class D felony, one count

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[1] The charges contained in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. All factual recitations are derived from documents filed in court and statements made on the record in court.