A 60-year-old man, identified as Larry Powlis, has been apprehended in connection with the murder of Egizio Panetti, a 67-year-old Italian art dealer, in his SoHo apartment. This arrest follows an incident on Sunday, where Powlis was taken into custody for shoplifting at a TJ Maxx store located in Midtown Manhattan. During the arrest, it was discovered that Powlis was wanted for Panetti’s murder, which had occurred two years prior.
Panetti, who was legally blind and battling cancer, was found deceased in his Spring Street apartment at approximately 1 a.m. on September 22, 2024, by a concerned neighbor who had frequently checked on him. The neighbor, alarmed by Panetti’s failure to respond to calls, discovered his body and alerted authorities.
From the outset of the investigation, law enforcement suspected foul play in Panetti’s death. Subsequent investigations revealed that Panetti had met Powlis in Greenwich Village and the two were recorded by surveillance cameras entering his apartment together. Powlis allegedly spent the night at the victim’s residence and was later observed leaving while wearing different clothing than he had upon arrival. Notably, camouflage pants belonging to Powlis were discovered at the scene of the crime.
Despite the initial suspicion surrounding Panetti’s death, it was not classified as a homicide until December 2025, when the city Medical Examiner concluded that Panetti had died from asphyxiation. Due to a lack of sufficient evidence for a probable cause to detain Powlis immediately following the incident, he managed to leave New York City.
Authorities have reported that Powlis has a previous conviction for a sex offense in Texas. Following his arrest for shoplifting, he was charged with murder and is currently awaiting arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court. The case highlights the complexities surrounding investigations of violent crimes, especially those involving vulnerable individuals. The legal proceedings ahead will serve as a critical demonstration of the judiciary’s response to serious offenses such as murder.
As the legal process unfolds, the case raises broader questions about public safety, particularly in relation to homeless individuals with criminal histories. Media News Source continues to monitor the developments surrounding this case as it gains attention in the community and beyond.