Coram Man Indicted in Homeless Man’s Killing

A 20-year-old Coram man has been indicted for allegedly chasing a homeless man through heavy traffic on Route 112 in Medford before fatally stabbing him in broad daylight, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney announced.

Joseph Norton was charged with second-degree murder in the July 20 death of Timothy Stark, 32, who law enforcement said was homeless and well-known to local residents.

Prosecutors said Norton was behind the wheel of a 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche on Route 112 at 3:35 p.m. when he stopped at a traffic light near Stark. Police stated Norton made a U-turn, parked under an overpass and chased Stark across the road.

During the chase, According to law enforcement, Norton repeatedly tried to stab Stark before pushing his head toward the ground and stabbing him once in the back. Stark collapsed in the roadway and was later pronounced dead at NYU Langone Hospital–Suffolk.

Norton reportedly returned to his vehicle and took off. Suffolk County police officers arrested him shortly afterward in Yaphank.

Investigators reported recovering a knife bearing what appeared to be blood from beneath the driver’s seat. Authorities said the chase and stabbing were captured by surveillance cameras, vehicle dashboard cameras and cellphone video.

“I thank the Suffolk County Police Department for their swift apprehension of this defendant, who is alleged to have targeted this victim with zero regard that he was surrounded by witnesses,” Tierney said. “Brutal violence as is alleged here has no place in Suffolk County.”

Norton was arraigned July 30 before Supreme Court Justice Steven Pilewski and ordered held without bail. He is scheduled to return to court Sept. 3.

If convicted, Norton faces up to 25 years to life in prison. He is represented by attorney Peter Mayer.

Assistant District Attorneys Sheetal Shetty and Melissa Grier are prosecuting the case with assistance from Suffolk police Detective Stephen Masciopinto.