VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A suspect is behind bars after Virginia Beach police say they stabbed a prominent local dentist to death.
According to the Virginia Beach Police Department, 36-year-old Michael "Norah" Horwitz is facing two charges including second-degree murder and stabbing in the commission of a felony.
Officers found 68-year-old Dr. Abbey Horwitz dead Saturday morning inside his home on Wren Place, near the Cavalier Golf and Yacht Club. Investigators say it was the result of what they call a domestic dispute. Police said the victim is the suspect's father.
Virginia Beach Police said the younger Horwitz is in the process of transitioning and goes by the name "Norah."
Neighbors near the dentist's home called the incident shocking, saying they couldn't imagine what could have led to the stabbing.
According to Dr. Horwitz's dental practice, "The Art of Dentistry," he practiced in Virginia Beach for more than 42 years.
One of Dr. Horwitz's former patients, who didn't want to speak on camera, called the incident devastating. She sent a message to 13News Now about Dr. Horwitz, saying, "Super funny guy, always joking with his staff and patients, but always professional. He made you feel at ease no matter the procedure being done. He and his wife had just retired from the business, turning it over to an associate in February. I know they were looking forward to traveling."
On Dr. Horwitz's dental office door in Great Neck Square, a note left behind by his co-workers reads, "It is with a heavy heart we will be closed to mourn the passing of our beloved Abbey."
Dr. Horwitz also served as a previous President of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater. A member there called him "a wonderful man" and said the organization is respecting the family's privacy at this time.
The suspect appeared in court Monday morning, speaking in front of a judge through a video call in a jail cell for an arraignment.
The judge asked Horwitz about hiring an attorney, who replied by asking for time to call family first. A public defender was appointed in the meantime.
Horwitz is currently under suicide watch in jail, according to the Virginia Beach Sheriff's Office. A bond hearing is set for Tuesday morning.
