Man accused of snoring too loud fatally stabs neighbor in confrontation, officials say
A Pennsylvania man accused of fatally stabbing his neighbor in January during a feud about loud snoring has been sentenced, officials say.
Christopher J. Casey, 56, of Hatboro was charged with third-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, and possessing an instrument of crime in connection with the January death of his neighbor, 62-year-old Robert Wallace, according to a news release from the Montgomery County District Attorney.
Casey pleaded guilty to the manslaughter and possession charges and was sentenced to a maximum of 23 months in county jail followed by three years of probation, the Associated Press reported.
McClatchy News reached out to Casey’s attorney Aug. 12 for comment but did not receive an immediate response.
Upper Moreland Township Police responded Jan. 15 to a 911 call from Casey about a stabbing at his residence, officials said.
Wallace, found by responding officers with stab wounds, was taken to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead, officials said.
At the scene, police found a “large military-style knife,” an open window with the screen removed, and blood inside and outside of Casey’s home, according to officials.
Local authorities were aware of an ongoing feud between the two men, including arguments about Casey’s loud snoring, which Wallace said he could hear through the shared wall of their units, officials said.
On the night of the fatal incident, Wallace showed up at Casey’s home while he was eating dinner and removed the screen on his window, officials said.
After a verbal argument, Casey used the military-style knife to stab Wallace several times. according to officials.
According to court records, the men had spoken through the window for about 20 minutes before Wallace offered to shake hands and help pay for Casey’s nasal surgery, WPVI reported.
Casey told police he attacked him with the knife because he did not trust Wallace’s intentions, calling him volatile and angry, the outlet reported.
The Montgomery County Coroner ruled Wallace’s death a homicide, according to officials.
Wallace’s relatives said in court that his lack of sleep due to Casey’s snoring was affecting his life and ability to work, the Associated Press reported.
Casey apologized and called the fatal end to their feud unfortunate, the outlet reported.
Hatboro is about a 20-mile drive northeast from downtown Philadelphia.
This story was originally published August 12, 2024 at 1:12 PM with the headline "Man accused of snoring too loud fatally stabs neighbor in confrontation, officials say."
