Matthew Molinaro, a former NCAA Division III 800-meter champion, has been charged with first-degree murder in the stabbing death of a man in Milford, Michigan, on New Year’s Eve.
Molinaro, 29, of Sterling Heights, is accused of killing 26-year-old Peyton Bilbia, the boyfriend of Molinaro’s ex-girlfriend. Bilbia was found dead inside his apartment on East Summit Street after police were called to conduct a welfare check on the afternoon of December 31.
According to Milford police, Bilbia’s girlfriend contacted authorities after she was unable to reach him and grew concerned when his phone appeared to still be ringing inside the apartment. Police and firefighters forced entry into the home, where Bilbia was found with multiple stab wounds. Investigators said the injuries were consistent with a violent attack and quickly ruled the death a homicide.
Police identified Molinaro as a suspect later that day and arrested him that evening at a bar in Royal Oak, roughly 30 miles from Milford. Milford Police Chief Scott Tarasiewicz said the attack was not random and appeared to be targeted.
Prosecutors allege Molinaro had previously been in a relationship with Bilbia’s girlfriend. Court records show she obtained a personal protection order against Molinaro earlier in December.
“Peyton Bilbia should be with us today,” Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said in a statement. “Instead, his life was cut short because of what appears to be a domestic dispute.”
The Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office charged Molinaro with first-degree murder on Monday. He is being held without bond at the Oakland County Jail. If convicted, he faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. His probable cause hearing is scheduled for January 19.
Molinaro competed collegiately for Ohio Northern University, where he won the 800 meters at the 2018 NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Championships. He ran a personal best of 1:47.73 in 2017 and later competed professionally, including time with NJNY Track Club and sponsorship from HOKA.
The case remains under investigation.
