Nassau County police are investigating two separate fatal stabbings that occurred just hours apart early Friday morning, leaving two communities shaken and on edge. Authorities say one person is now in custody in connection with both attacks.

Homicide detectives spent much of the day on West Mineola Avenue in Valley Stream, where officers were called around 3 a.m. after a person was found stabbed to death. Neighbors described the scene as deeply unsettling.

“I’m scared. I really am scared. I don’t know where to walk anymore,” said Valley Stream resident Patricia Chiaramonte.

Roughly three hours earlier, police responded to another deadly stabbing—this one at a Wendy’s restaurant on Austin Boulevard in Island Park. Investigators say a woman was attacked and killed while taking out the garbage behind the restaurant around midnight.

“It’s a real tragedy,” said customer Lauren Weissberg, of Long Beach. “It’s a really nice community and I’m really shocked by it. We sometimes go through the drive-thru and everyone seems really nice.”

Police say the same suspect is believed to be involved in both incidents. That individual was taken into custody outside a 7‑Eleven in Lynbrook.

Investigators have not released a motive for the attacks, and the identities of the victims and the suspect have not yet been made public.