Pics released of men wanted for questioning in fatal stab of NYC food truck cook

The NYPD released surveillance footage Sunday of two men wanted for questioning in the fatal stabbing of a young food truck cook in Upper Manhattan earlier this month.

Victim Mateo Solis Tlalpachitoc, 20, was celebrating his wife’s birthday at the Taco Inn restaurant on St. Nicholas Ave. and W. 185th St. in Washington Heights about 3 a.m. July 2 when two men approached their table, the victim’s brother told the Daily News.

https://www.nydailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/1757-24-Homicide-34-Pct-07-02-241.mp4

They exchanged words and Tlalpachitoc left his his wife out the back door. The two men left through the front and they clashed outside, his brother said. Tlalpachitoc tried to walk away, his brother recounted, but one of the men fatally stabbed him in the back.

Tlalpachitoc, who had two young children, worked in the family food truck and was trying to save enough money to build a home for his family in Mexico.

Cops describe both men wanted for questioning as about 5-foot-7 with a light complexion and a medium build. One wore a black T-shirt and black sweatpants while the other wore a black baseball cap, gray T-shirt and gray pants.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.