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Neighbors react to homicide, arson, stabbing in Lafayette

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) — Neighbors are shocked a homicide, a stabbing and an arson happened in their neighborhood Sunday morning.

Neighbors of the victims involved in the homicide and arson case said they’ve all lived in the area for more than 15 years and have never experienced anything like this. 

For Nancy Richardson, it was a regular night until Lafayette Police Department came knocking on her door.

“I never saw anything,” said Richards. “Police came and beat on the door and got us up at about probably between, well, around 6 o’clock.”

“I could not believe he died. I couldn’t believe someone killed him,” said Richards.

Around 6:10 a.m. Sunday, Lafayette Police Department responded to a 911 call of a stabbing and a house fire in the 800 block of South 31st Street. They found Thomas Day with stab wounds and Ron Whiles dead with multiple gunshot wounds.

A close friend of Whiles, Ryan Tincher stopped by the neighborhood, where he learned what happened.

“It’s just still sinking in. I just found out this morning so I don’t know how to react,” said Tincher

Tincher said they’ve been friends for years.

“Ron and I been business partners for about seven years, but I’ve known him since I was a little kid,” said Tincher.

Tincher helped Whiles manage Ron’s Lawns landscaping company. He said Whiles had a heart for helping others.

“He was a great guy. He’d help anybody. He’d give anybody a job that needed a job,” said Tincher.

Police are still investigating what led up to the incident. Tincher just can’t believe it happened.

“I don’t understand why anybody would do something this awful. This is awful,” said Tincher.

Other neighbors agree.

“Too bad it happened. Nobody likes to hear about a murder,” said Ian Ramsay, a neighbor of Whiles.

Ramsay said this is new for the neighborhood.

“This used to be a quiet neighborhood. Nobody seemed to mess with anybody,” said Ramsay. Everything was cool.”

Police say Day and Whiles were living together at the time of the incident. Stabbing victim Thomas Day was taken Sunday to an Indianapolis hospital, where he was in critical condition Monday.

Police say the suspect or suspects may be armed and dangerous. Anyone with information on this case was urged to call Lafayette Police Department at 765-807-1200.

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