Manhunt Ongoing for Man Who Allegedly Stabbed His Girlfriend to Death at Their New York Home

Authorities are looking for a man suspected of killing his girlfriend at their New York home.

Anthony Bechand, 53, has not been found since his girlfriend, Amanda Rodriguez, was discovered dead at their home in Cohoes, N.Y., on Sunday, Sept. 14. On the same day, Bechand’s truck was found abandoned about 150 miles north in the Adirondacks, at the intersection of County Route 60 and County Route 86 in Brighton, N.Y.

Rodriguez, 41, died from multiple stab wounds, according to her autopsy, reported by outlets including North Country Public Radio and WYNT.

“There’s evidence that puts him at the scene at the time,” Cohoes Mayor Bill Keeler told reporters, according to CBS News.

After Rodriguez’s body was found, the Cohoes Police Department asked the New York State Police for help to find Bechand.

Cohoes Police Chief Todd Waldin told ABC News that Bechand “may be armed and dangerous.” As of early Friday, Sept. 18, he had still not been found. Police are using officers on the ground, helicopters, drones, and K-9 units in the search.

“We are leaving no stone unturned,” Waldin said, according to North Country Public Radio. He added that the search started where Bechand’s truck was located in Brighton, N.Y., but it has expanded because Bechand could be farther away.

“I don’t like the idea of this person being on the loose, whether he’s in that area or somewhere else,” Waldin said. “He’s somebody we believe committed a horrible crime and is dangerous, and we do not want him out in public.”

“We also want to give the victim’s family some peace of mind and closure, knowing he is no longer out there,” he added.

Rodriguez’s friend Letha Cruz told CBS News that the couple had problems in their relationship.

“I knew it could get physical and they did fight, and I knew they were toxic for each other,” she said. “But I never expected this in a million years.”

“She was always for the underdog. She was full of light,” Cruz added. “She was generous, kind, and very tough, especially when protecting anyone who couldn’t defend themselves.”

Anyone who may have seen Bechand or has information on his location is asked to contact the New York State Police at 518-897-2000.

Representatives for the Cohoes Police Department and the New York State Police did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for more information on Thursday.