HOUSTON, Texas — A 41-year-old former mixed martial artist, was charged with murder on May 10, after allegedly fatally stabbing his 66-year-old neighbor during an altercation at their apartment complex on Travis Street in Houston.
Police say the confrontation escalated into violence when the victim Craley Johnson attempted to defend himself with a knife, which the accused, Artur Rofi, then used to stab him multiple times.
Officers from the Houston Police Department arrived on the scene around 6:45 p.m. and found Johnson with multiple stab wounds. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene.
Neighbors told investigators the two men had a history of disputes, although it remains unclear what triggered the confrontation that led to Johnson’s death. Witnesses described hearing yelling shortly before the stabbing occurred.
Rofi, who previously competed in regional mixed martial arts events, is being held at the Harris County Jail.
The Houston Police Department’s homicide division is continuing its investigation. Detectives are collecting forensic evidence and interviewing witnesses. Authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward.