Police Have Identified a “Person of Interest” in Lee’s Cafe Throat-Slashing

Officials say a female cook was found dead Thursday night at the South Philly restaurant.

Person of Interest Lee Cafe

L: The person of interest known as “Noelle,” according to police. R: Image via Google Maps.

The Philadelphia Police Department has released a photo of a “person of interest” who they are seeking in connection with the throat-slashing of an employee at Lee’s Cafe & Bistro in South Philly. Officials say the man goes by the name “Noelle,” is between the ages of 25 and 30, and drives a white SUV.

The victim has been identified as 54-year-old cook Thoung Nguyen.

Shortly after 9 p.m., while the restaurant was still open for business, police say the owner of Lee’s found Nguyen alone in the basement kitchen, with a large cut across her throat. She was pronounced dead on the scene by Philadelphia paramedics at 9:15 p.m.

Police are asking that anyone with information on the whereabouts of “Noelle” contact the PPD’s Homicide Unit at 215-686-3334, or dial 9-1-1. There is a $20,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the investigation.

Follow Arthur Etchells on Twitter.