Man stabbed roommate following days of arguing, Irvine police say

A man was arrested by Irvine police Tuesday on suspicion of stabbing his roommate to death following several days of escalating arguments.

According to the Irvine Police Department, around 6 a.m., officers responded for a call of a dispute at a home on Fortuna Street in the Northwood neighborhood, located on the city’s north side.

When officers arrived, they found 22-year-old Zackery Dean Hinkle, a resident of the home, who was outside waiting for them. Hinkle told police that he got into a physical altercation with his roommate, which resulted in a stabbing.

Hinkle was detained as officers entered the home. Inside, they found 53-year-old Terry Rahmatulla near the front door suffering from at least one stab wound.

Officers performed first aid, but Rahmatulla died at the scene, police said.

Hinkle was arrested and transported to the Orange County Jail to await charges for murder.

Specific details about the violent altercation are limited, but police say the two had been arguing for several days leading up to Tuesday. The argument became physical Tuesday morning, which resulted in Hinkle allegedly stabbing Rahmatulla in the upper body.

Police said there were other roommates living in the home, but none were injured.

The investigation remains ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact Irvine police detective David Misko by email or by calling 949-724-7168.

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