Tragedy in York County: 62-Year-Old Man Fatally Stabbed, Son Charged with Homicide
YORK, Pa. — June 30, 2025 — A chilling and tragic domestic incident has shaken the community of West York Borough after authorities identified the victim of a fatal stabbing that occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, June 24, 2025. The York County Coroner’s Office released the identity of the deceased on Friday evening, confirming the victim as Stanley Fears, a 62-year-old resident of West Market Street.
According to officials, the West York Borough Police Department was dispatched to the 1400 block of West Market Street around 2:26 a.m. following reports of an assault. Upon arrival, officers found Fears critically injured inside his home. Emergency responders quickly realized the severity of his wounds, and the York County Coroner was called to the scene shortly after.
Fears was pronounced dead at 3:10 a.m. He had sustained a single stab wound to the chest, which proved to be fatal. An autopsy conducted later at Lehigh Valley Hospital confirmed the cause of death as complications from the stabbing, and the manner of death was officially ruled a homicide.
In a shocking development, police arrested 1-year-old Ahdoneeyah Fears, the victim’s own son, in connection with the incident. Despite the name and age listed in initial reports suggesting otherwise, court and police documents confirm that the individual charged is in fact 21 years old, and not 1—a typographical error in early releases that has since been corrected by law enforcement. The suspect, Ahdoneeyah Fears, now faces charges of criminal homicide.
West York Borough Chief of Police Matt Millsaps reported that the stabbing was the result of a heated domestic dispute between father and son. Although details of the argument have not been disclosed, officials indicated that the confrontation escalated rapidly, culminating in the fatal act of violence.
“This is a deeply unsettling case, not only because of the tragic loss of life but also because it occurred between close family members,” Chief Millsaps said in a brief statement to the press. “We are continuing our investigation to gather the full scope of events that led up to this tragic outcome.”
The incident has left the local community in shock and sorrow. Neighbors describe Stanley Fears as a quiet, polite man who mostly kept to himself. Some expressed disbelief that such a violent act could occur in their neighborhood, which has seen relatively few violent crimes in recent years.
“He didn’t deserve this,” said one neighbor who asked to remain anonymous. “We would see him walking his dog, tending his yard. You never imagine something like this would happen next door.”
As the investigation proceeds, the West York Borough Police Department, in collaboration with the York County District Attorney’s Office, is working to piece together a clearer picture of the circumstances surrounding the homicide. Authorities have yet to release further information about the motive, the events leading up to the altercation, or the weapon used.
Ahdoneeyah Fears is currently being held without bail in the York County Prison pending further legal proceedings. His arraignment is scheduled for later this week, and it is expected that more details may emerge during court hearings.
The York County Coroner’s Office emphasized that no additional information will be made public at this time, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
This case underscores the complex and often hidden struggles within families that can sometimes erupt into devastating violence. Community mental health advocates have reiterated the importance of accessible support systems, counseling resources, and intervention services to prevent such tragedies.
As York County residents process the disturbing news, grief counselors and victim support services are being made available to those affected. A memorial for Stanley Fears is reportedly being planned by friends and extended family, who hope to honor his memory and bring awareness to the silent battles many face behind closed doors.
Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact the West York Borough Police Department at (717) 854-1975 or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
