For Immediate Release:
April 20, 2026

Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the arrest of 42-year-old SEAN MCAVINUE of Wallington, NJ on charges related to a stabbing incident. This arrest was the result of an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Chief Jeff Angermeyer, and the Wallington Police Department, under the direction of Chief Ireneusz Kluska.

On Saturday, April 18, 2026, at approximately 10:51 a.m., the Wallington Police Department responded to a medical call for an individual having trouble breathing at a residence on Strong Street. Upon arrival, officers located a 74-year-old male with multiple stab wounds to his torso and leg. The victim was immediately transported by ambulance to HMH Hackensack University Medical Center, where he was hospitalized with critical injuries. He has since been upgraded to stable condition. Responding officers also located a 42-year-old male outside of the residence in question, later identified as SEAN MCAVINUE, who had an apparent injury to his hand and had blood on his clothing. MCAVINUE was taken into custody and transported via ambulance to an area hospital for treatment.

Detectives from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit were notified, responded to the scene, and initiated a joint investigation. In addition, the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist. During the course of the investigation, detectives determined that SEAN MCAVINUE utilized multiple kitchen knives to stab the victim a total of eight times, striking him in his head, torso, and legs.

As a result of the investigation, later that same day, on Saturday, April 18, 2026, SEAN MCAVINUE was charged with first-degree attempted murder, N.J.S.A. 2C:5-1a(1)/2C:11-3a(1); second-degree aggravated assault, N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1b(1); and third-degree possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4d. MCAVINUE was placed in the custody of the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office pending a first appearance in Bergen County Superior Court in Hackensack, NJ.

Prosecutor Mark Musella states that the charges in this case are merely accusations, and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Prosecutor Musella thanks the Wallington Police Department and the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in this investigation.