Police in New York have charged a man in Brooklyn with the fatal stabbing of the six-year-old cousin of Chicago Bulls star Taj Gibson.

Prince Joshua Avitto died after being savagely attacked inside a public housing complex elevator by a knife-wielding man since identified as recently paroled 27-year-old Daniel St. Hubert. Also critically injured in the brazen attack that occurred as the children were "going to get ice cream" was 7-year-old Mikayla Capers.

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According to CNN, police took St. Hubert into custody early Wednesday night and indicate that he has an arrest record that includes as many as nine apprehensions, including a more recent one for domestic assault.

"These parents are in such pain now," said New York Mayor Bill de Blasio. "I ask all New Yorkers to help in this investigation any way you can. Do it for this grieving family. Do it for all of us."

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Earlier this week, the NBA star forward tweeted "they killed my lil superman. Only two more weeks until your 7th birthday. Tears forever." Gibson also later posted a photo of his nephew on online.

CNN reports St. Hubert is also a suspect in the recent fatal stabbing death of a teenager not far from the scene of the Avitto killing. The body of 18-year-old Tanaya Copeland was found last Friday night with several stab wounds.

"We have to proceed as if they are aligned," said Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce said of the three stabbings. "The knives are very similar. The proximity is four blocks. We have a basic description of the male."

Prince Joshua's godfather, Henry Alston said the boy's funeral will be Friday.

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