UPDATE May 27, 2025: An autopsy was conducted by Associate Medical Examiner Dr. Abigail Alexander who on Wednesday released determinations that Derek Jones Sr.'s’ cause of death was multiple sharp force injuries, and his manner of death was homicide.
MANCHESTER, NH – A man covered in blood ran out of a Union Street apartment building early Tuesday morning yelling for someone to call police, that he had just killed someone, a witness told reporters.
A short time later, the man was transported from the scene by police, according to witnesses. As of Tuesday evening, police have not indicated anyone is under arrest.
The Attorney General, in a news release, acknowledge police are investigating the death of a man. Although the investigation is in its early stages, investigators said there is no indication of any ongoing threat to the public at this time.
Late Tuesday a second news release identified the victim as Derek Jones Sr., 60, who was found by police lying on the floor deceased, suffering from an apparent stab wound after responding to 434 Union St., Apt. 303, at 7:43 a.m.
Ramadhani Idrisa Kiki, 39, was observed at the scene by police covered in blood and announcing he had murdered someone. He was taken to the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries and remains hospitalized. An arrest warrant has been issued charging him with one count of second-degree murder, contrary to RSA 630:1-b, I(b), for recklessly causing Derek Jones’ death.
An arraignment is anticipated to be scheduled at a later time. An autopsy on Derek Jones is currently scheduled to take place Wednesday.
Neighbors said they heard a man yelling in the rear of the building and then saw him enter the building prior to the reported death.
Grant Shealy, who lives in a third-floor apartment across from the one where the man was found, said he called police. He said about 7:30 a.m., he heard people yelling and screaming. He called police because he just wanted the screaming to stop.
“I heard a lot of screaming in a foreign language,” Shealy said. After the yelling stopped, he went out into the hall and saw a man leaving.
“There was blood all over the door, and there were bloody footprints, and that’s all I really know,” he said.
Police went to the 434 Union St. apartment building after being called at 7:44 a.m., according to its log of 911 calls. The log for the call indicates: “@Angies Shelter Life Status Questionable.”
The building formerly was Angie’s Place, a woman’s shelter, but in 2022 it was renovated by Families In Transition to provide 11 studio and single apartments for the homeless.
“Families in Transition is fully cooperating with investigators. This site houses male and female residents who have transitioned out of homelessness and who are receiving services and support in their work to gain full independence and permanent housing,” Families in Transition president and CEO Maria Devlin said in a statement. “The safety and security of our clients is our top priority. And we will continue to work with MPD through the investigation.”
All day Tuesday, the area surrounding 434 Union St. and a property next door was cordoned off by crime scene tape. Police cruisers were parked along Union Street and detectives were seen entering and exiting the building.
The charges against Ramadhani Idrisa Kiki are only allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available while protecting the integrity of the investigation, according to the attorney general’s office.