Columbia Student Dies, Tourist Hurt in Random Kitchen Knife Attacks Near Manhattan Park

BREAKING UPDATE: Columbia PhD Student Killed in Random Knife Attack Identified; Tourist in Hospital as NYPD Probes Motive

A Columbia student was stabbed to death and a tourist wounded near a New York City park late Thursday in what police say were random attacks. The suspect was caught menacing a third victim with the kitchen knife used in the attacks, but that victim wasn't hurt, police say.

The attacks occurred around 11 p.m. in the area of Morningside Park in upper Manhattan, according to the NYPD. The victim who has died is a 30-year-old student at Columbia University. Police say he was stabbed in the stomach while he was walking near 123rd Street and Amsterdam Avenue.

The second victim, a 27-year-old tourist, was stabbed in the torso near 110th Street and Cathedral Parkway. He's in stable condition, police said.

Authorities say the suspect was taken into police custody in Central Park and charges are pending. No other details on the individual or a possible motive were immediately released.

Officers say a large kitchen knife was recovered from the alleged suspect. Their investigation is ongoing.