Because of a $25 theft: murder suspect captured after two years

A theft of goods worth $25 led to the arrest of Larry Polis, a 60-year-old homeless man who had been wanted on suspicion of murdering art dealer Egizio Panti in New York over two years ago. His fingerprints revealed his true identity.

A theft of goods worth $25 from a Manhattan store led to the arrest of Larry Polis, a 60-year-old homeless man who had been wanted on suspicion of murdering art dealer Egizio Panti, 67, over two years ago. Polis was arrested after attempting to steal from a TJ Maxx store and gave police a false name, but his fingerprints revealed his true identity and the connection to the murder investigation. According to the indictment, in September 2024, Panti met Polis on the street, invited him to his apartment, and there Polis strangled him to death. Security cameras documented Polis leaving the building six hours later with a bag containing stolen items. Polis confessed to the theft but denied the murder. He has been charged with second-degree murder, theft, and impersonation, and faces life in prison if convicted.