Man Arrested After Stabbing Stepbrother in Candor

Suspect fled scene but was later apprehended by law enforcement after extensive search

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:07am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up of a single bloody knife blade against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic through the use of harsh flash lighting.A violent domestic dispute leaves behind a chilling piece of physical evidence that law enforcement must carefully examine.Johnson City Today

A 54-year-old man named John D. Penalvert was arrested and charged with assault, weapon possession, and endangering the welfare of children after allegedly stabbing his 37-year-old stepbrother John Adrat Jr. during a domestic incident at a residence in Candor, New York. Penalvert fled the scene but was later located and taken into custody following a search involving multiple law enforcement agencies.

Why it matters

Domestic violence incidents can have serious consequences, especially when weapons are involved. This case highlights the importance of a coordinated law enforcement response to apprehend suspects who flee crime scenes and the need to protect vulnerable children who may witness such traumatic events.

The details

According to investigators, the Tioga County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of a stabbing at a residence on Lathrop Road around 11:53 a.m. on April 2. They determined that Penalvert had allegedly stabbed Adrat in the abdomen during a domestic dispute. Penalvert then fled the scene on foot into a nearby wooded area. Adrat was initially taken to a local walk-in care facility before being transported to Wilson Hospital in serious but stable condition. Law enforcement, including sheriff's deputies, state troopers, and a police canine unit, searched the area and eventually located Penalvert about 2.5 miles from the residence, taking him into custody without incident.

  • The incident occurred around 11:53 a.m. on April 2, 2026.
  • Penalvert was arrested later that same day.

The players

John D. Penalvert

A 54-year-old man from Candor, New York who was arrested and charged with assault, weapon possession, and endangering the welfare of children after allegedly stabbing his stepbrother.

John Adrat Jr.

A 37-year-old man from Candor, New York who was allegedly stabbed by his stepbrother Penalvert during a domestic incident.

Tioga County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that responded to the reported stabbing, searched for the suspect, and made the arrest.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Penalvert was arraigned in Tioga County CAP Court and remanded to the Tioga County Jail with no bail. He will face charges of assault, weapon possession, and endangering the welfare of children.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for a swift and coordinated law enforcement response to domestic violence incidents, especially when weapons are involved and suspects flee the scene. It also highlights the importance of protecting vulnerable children who may witness such traumatic events.