STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A Staten Island man charged in the fatal stabbing of his roommate in 2024 is headed toward trial, while sources familiar with the case say the defendant could instead opt for a plea deal.
Daniel Perez, 35, of Travis Avenue in New Springville, is facing a top count of second-degree murder in connection with the Nov. 24, 2024, slaying inside an apartment on the 400 block of Travis Avenue. The victim was identified as 34-year-old Damian Kleba.
At the time of Perez’s arraignment in November 2024, defense attorney Rebecca Rosenfeld said it was possible her client was acting in self defense. She went on to address what she described as a “serious mental health diagnosis,” saying that any bail “would be a hardship for his family.”…