SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Detectives have released more details in the case of a man accused of brutally attacking his family. Investigators believe it started when the suspect took the television from a Belle Avenue home Sunday for drug money.

Police say Lawrence Stokes Senior, 46, was confronted by his son soon afterward at the house, then Stokes stabbed him. They say the victim's brother stepped in, and he was severely injured, being stabbed in the eye. Stokes also allegedly attacked his wife with a claw hammer.

Investigators say Stokes had a long history of crack and cocaine addiction.

"It's a very sad story, we have three people who are pretty severely injured as a result of this. It’s an example showing people what drugs will do to have someone turn on their wife and their children like this," said Sgt. Tom Connellan, Syracuse Police Department.

Everyone is expected to survive, although the man stabbed in the eye needed emergency surgery

Stokes is facing multiple assault charges, grand larceny, criminal contempt and criminal possession of a weapon.