NEW YORK, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- A New York man faces murder charges for allegedly strangling his ex-girlfriend and decapitating her 8-year-old son with a machete.
Christopher Patterson, 32, is accused of killing his ex-girlfriend, Patricia Whitley, 46, and her son, Malik.
Police said Whitley's 14-year-old daughter, Zina Whitley, was sleeping in her family's New York apartment Thursday morning when Patterson began fighting with her mother in the next room, the New York Daily News reported Saturday.
Patterson allegedly strangled Patricia Whitley and covered her body with blankets -- and police believe the son walked in on the killing and Patterson used a machete to kill him.
Police said Patterson allegedly struck the daughter in the head and attempted to rape her. The daughter escaped and called 911.
Police said they found Patterson sleeping naked on the couch when they arrived.
