A Bronx family is mourning the loss of 36-year-old Arkmayer Davis, who was fatally stabbed on Christmas Eve outside a homeless shelter.
The suspect, 28-year-old Kayjon Yizar, appeared in court Wednesday, where he pleaded not guilty to murder and other charges.
Police say the attack happened just before noon
outside 101 East Tremont Ave. Davis was stabbed multiple times in the torso, head and limbs. A criminal complaint states that Yizar used a knife in the deadly assault.
Gertrude Davis, the victim’s mother, clutched a photo of her son as she stood outside the courtroom.
“My son was a loving, caring man,” she said through tears. “He ain’t hurt no one.”
Emotions boiled over during the arraignment, with Davis’ family calling Yizar a murderer and accusing him of committing a hate crime. Police have not charged Yizar with a hate crime, but the family alleges he had been harassing Davis and his husband for weeks at the homeless shelter where they all lived.
“He snatched my heart away. He snatched my soul,” said Gertrude Davis. “Parents, hold on to your kids—there are monsters out here.”
Yizar faces charges of murder in the second degree, manslaughter in the first degree and criminal possession of a weapon. His next court date is scheduled for Jan. 14.
The Davis family says they will fight for justice every step of the way.