Man arrested, accused of fatal stabbing in New Jersey hotel, stealing 2 cars: Police

MOUNT LAUREL, New Jersey (WPVI) -- Burlington County authorities have arrested a suspect who they believe stabbed a man to death at a hotel in Mount Laurel on Thursday.

The suspect, Taylor Perkins, 29, has been charged with murder in the first degree, unlawful possession of a weapon in the third degree, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose in the third degree.

Officials say the incident began just after 10 a.m. Thursday, when police were called to the Rodeway Inn on Route 73 for reports of two men fighting.

At the scene, officers found the victim on the ground outside of a second-floor room near a stairwell suffering from multiple stab wounds.

Authorities have identified the victim as 36-year-old Michael Jefferies.

The investigation determined that after stabbing Jefferies, Perkins fled on foot to a nearby BMW dealership and drove a car off the lot.

He later abandoned the SUV in Evesham and allegedly stole a truck from an Xfinity worker who was up on a ladder.

Police finally apprehended Perkins at his home in Camden, officials say.

Officials are still searching for a motive in this incident.

The investigation was conducted by the Mount Laurel Police Department and the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office, with assistance from other local law enforcement agencies.