Investigators say 33-year-old James Prince died after being stabbed by a knife-wielding bandit who broke into a house in the 5600 block of Nelson Street around 6:25 a.m.
Police say the attacker forced his way through the front door then quickly made his way to the second floor where the two victims were still in bed.
Investigators say the home invader reportedly went right up to the 32-year-old woman living there and simply started beating and slashing her.
Moments after the incident started Prince, who was living with the female victim, tried to subdue to the attacker.
Prince was then stabbed in the chest while the attacker fled the scene on foot. The woman called 911.
Both victims were rushed to the hospital where Prince was pronounced dead shortly after 7:00 a.m. The woman was treated and released for facial lacerations.
There have been no arrests.
Investigators say the female victim - whose identity is being withheld by police - was an acquaintance of the attacker and neighbors say she had recent run-ins with a former love interest.
Neighbors say this type of crime is unusual for this part of Germantown.
"I was surprised to find out a crime would even take place in this neighborhood. This type of stuff doesn't go on around here," said John Clark. "This is church-going people around here."
"Everybody stays to themselves, it's an older block, not too much activity. Everyone's just quiet, friendly neighbors," said Shonda Collins.
Anyone with information on this crime is urged to contact Philadelphia Police.
