St. Paul Community Rallies Around Victim of Brutal Stabbing
Friends, family, and neighbors are coming together to support Pete Moroz, a 56-year-old St. Paul man who was stabbed multiple times by his neighbor, Thomas Christian Welle, in a horrific attack on September 5. The incident occurred at a condominium in the 500 block of Jackson Street in St. Paul, leaving Moroz with severe injuries, including a collapsed lung, damaged liver, and a severely damaged left arm.
A GoFundMe account has been set up to help with Moroz’s medical costs, with over $9,000 raised as of Sunday. The account details the extent of Moroz’s injuries, which include an orbital fracture to his left eye, and the risk of losing his eyesight in that eye. Moroz has undergone multiple surgeries and is still recovering from the traumatic event.
The Attack and Arrest
According to the criminal complaint, Welle, 37, knocked on Moroz’s door, claiming to have a delivery for him. When Moroz opened the door, Welle allegedly began stabbing him, saying, “You are going to die.” A neighbor heard Moroz’s shouts for help and intervened, calling 911 after seeing Welle standing over Moroz, stabbing him.
When officers arrived, they found Moroz outside on the sidewalk, covered in blood. Moroz told police that his neighbor had stabbed him “all over” and asked officers to tell his daughters that he loved them. Welle was arrested the next day, found walking near the building with blood on his feet and hands, and claimed to have acted in self-defense.
Welle’s History of Disruptive Behavior
Neighbors reported that Welle had been “disruptive and terrorized” them since moving in about two years ago, playing loud music, banging around, and yelling. He had also written a threatening note to a previous tenant, signing it “Your worst nightmare.” Neighbors were afraid to confront him and had decided to speak to building management about his behavior. Welle’s family described him as “extremely dangerous, erratic, and unpredictable” and expressed concerns that he would return and hurt Moroz or others again.
Welle has a history of civil commitments for mental health and has been convicted of arson and assault in the past. He is currently facing trial on felony assault charges in Hennepin County for punching a doctor who had treated him for 15 years.
Support for Moroz and the Community
The St. Paul community is coming together to support Moroz and his family during this difficult time. The GoFundMe account is still active, and donations can be made to help with Moroz’s medical expenses. The incident has also raised concerns about mental health and community safety, highlighting the need for support and resources for individuals struggling with mental health issues.
For more information and to support Moroz, visit the Here
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