Landlord Allegedly Beat Tenant to Death with Bat Over Rent Dispute in Home Without Hot Water

Two men have been arrested after police say a man was beaten to death over a rent dispute that reportedly arose because the apartment did not have consistent hot water.

Kristopher Samaroo, 30, died after he was beaten with a bat in a New York City apartment on Saturday, Nov. 30, the NYPD has said, according to Bronx News 12, NBC New York and PIX 11.

Omar Lamoni, 43, and Edwin Nina, 39, have been arrested in connection with the case, per PIX 11, Bronx News 12 and CBS New York.

Lamoni has been charged with second-degree assault and endangering the welfare of a child; Nina has been charged with second-degree assault and criminal possession of a weapon, the NYPD confirms to PEOPLE.

Lamoni has been reportedly identified by CBS New York as Samaroo’s landlord, and the victim’s wife says a dispute over rent payment led to the violence.

“They keep saying that we’re not paying rent at the moment, but that’s [far] from the truth,” Samaroo’s wife Brittney Shears told Bronx News 12. “[The landlord] accepts partial payment for rent because they keep cutting off my hot water.”

The attack took place when Lamoni came to collect rent from Samaroo, police said, according to ABC 7 NY.

Shears alleged to Bronx News 12 and CBS News that a fight ensued and Samaroo was attacked with a bat.

During the suspects’ arraignment on Monday, Dec. 3, a judge reviewed security footage showing the attack involving a metal bat, per Bronx News 12.

In a GoFundMe set up to assist Shears and their children as they move forward without the family’s breadwinner, Samaroo is being remembered as an “empathetic” father who “showered [his daughters] with undivided attention.” 

“Kris hasn’t had an easy life. It was full of trauma and pain, but he still managed to have a pure heart of gold,” read part of the fundraiser, adding that his love for his daughters “helped him heal past traumas.” 

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Both Lamoni and Nina have pleaded not guilty to the charges, Bronx News 12 reported. Lamoni was released under supervised release and Nina was released on a $10,000 bail, per the outlet. PEOPLE was not immediately able to reach their defense attorneys.