🔴 HIGHLANDS MAN CHARGED WITH MURDER AFTER ROOMMATE FATALLY STABBED

HIGHLANDS, NJ — A dispute between two roommates over food left out and dirty dishes ended with a fatal stabbing Monday evening in Highlands, according to police.

Highlands Police responded to a home in the 20 block of North Street around 5:58 p.m. for a reported stabbing. The 9-1-1 caller told dispatchers that he had stabbed someone and would remain outside for officers.

Police identified the caller as Michael Dunzello, 49, who investigators say repeatedly told dispatchers that he had "snapped."

Officers arriving at the residence found Dunzello kneeling near Angus McDougald, 49, who was lying face down on the living room floor. Police reported finding blood on Dunzello's hands and wrists, while McDougald was found with stab wounds to his neck and upper back.

McDougald was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to the criminal complaint, a witness told investigators that Dunzello and McDougald had been arguing shortly before the stabbing. The disagreement reportedly involved a watermelon left on the kitchen counter, ant traps and concerns that food and dirty dishes were attracting ants inside the home.

Investigators said the witness heard the argument continue for approximately two minutes before hearing a sound followed by Dunzello apologizing to McDougald.

The alleged weapon, a knife, was later recovered from the kitchen sink, according to police.

Dunzello was arrested at the scene and charged with first-degree murder and a weapons offense. He is being held at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution.

The investigation remains ongoing and is being conducted by the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Bureau and the Highlands Police Department.

⚖️ All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

📍 Garden State News Network will continue to follow this developing investigation.