Mentally-Challenged Man Charged

The man accused of killing an 81-year-old Wildwood man was in court Thursday.

Gerald Daniels, 37, was arrested Wednesday night on charges of murdering his neighbor, 81-year-old Wallace Savitz. Police arrested Daniels after a fingerprint inside Savitz's apartment matched Daniels' fingerprints.

The apartment building was made up mostly of senior citizens and people with mental or physical challenges. Daniels' sister, Cassandra Reed, said he was diagnosed with brain damage as a child because of lead poisoning.

"My brother could have been by there anytime and been there for a cigarette. You know what I mean? They all live in the building together," Reed said.

Reed said her brother could not have killed anyone.

"He's not a violent person. He's a sweet person; he would give you the shirt off his back. I mean, even as a kid, he wouldn't stand up for himself," Reed said.

Investigators say Savitz was stabbed multiple times on his head and shoulder. An employee found him dead in his apartment Monday after he did not make his daily contact with security to let them know that he was OK.

Daniels' attorney has requested access to the apartment so his investigators may process the crime scene.

"He's presumed innocent and our office is beginning its investigation today. We'll be going to the crime scene to take a look and see exactly what the evidence is. But at this point in time, we're just starting our investigation to see exactly what happened," said Michael Catanese, the defense attorney.

Bond for Daniels has been set at $500,000. His attorney said that he would bring Daniels back to court next Tuesday to try to have that bond reduced.

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