Knife-wielding triple murder suspect killed in NYPD shootout

New York City police fatally shot a knife-wielding suspect in Brooklyn, stating the man was wanted in connection with three murders. The incident occurred as officers attempted to arrest Vilmond Jean-Baptiste, 38, in a Brooklyn apartment.

According to NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey, officers from the Brooklyn Warrant Squad discovered Jean-Baptiste hiding fully clothed in a bathtub during their search. Maddrey said officers ordered Jean-Baptiste to exit the tub, at which point they noticed he was holding a knife.

"Officers ordered him to drop the weapon, but he instead advanced on them," Maddrey stated. Police report that one officer initially attempted to subdue Jean-Baptiste with a stun gun, which proved ineffective. Maddrey said at least three officers then opened fire on Jean-Baptiste.

Emergency medical services transported Jean-Baptiste to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead from his injuries. The shooting drew a crowd to the scene, with some witnesses expressing anger towards the police. Fox News Digital obtained footage showing people shouting and throwing objects at officers.

Authorities said Jean-Baptiste was a suspect in three murders. Two victims, a 54-year-old woman and a 24-year-old man, were found stabbed to death in July. The third victim, Claudette Jones, 66, was discovered stabbed to death in her apartment in late August.

Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told the Daily Mail that Jean-Baptiste had been romantically involved with both female victims.

Johnny Jean-Baptiste, 44, the suspect's older brother, claimed their mother was present in the home during the shooting. "My brother did not have a gun," he told the New York Daily News. "They could have dealt with him differently. I want to see the body camera to see what really happened."

The NYPD has not disclosed further information regarding the shooting investigation.