A masked man broke into a couple's Prospect-Lefferts Gardens home and stabbed them both to death Wednesday night, police say.

Officers arrived at 263 Winthrop St. to find 65-year-old Stephenson Bonaparte lying facedown in front of the house. His 59-year-old wife, Hazel Brown, was inside. Both were pronounced dead at hospitals.

Police say their daughter first made the discovery and called 911. 

Neighbors say the couple owned a religious store on Rutland Road called King Solomon. They say the neighborhood is known for being quiet and safe -- and now they're scared in their own homes.

"When you're in your home you're not safe," says one neighbor, who gave his name only as Victor. "You can't lay down and go to sleep."

Hillary Flavigny, who's known the victims for about 10 years, says their daughter ran to her house with a baby girl in her arms, searching for help.

"She said she saw two gunmen with her mother," Flavigny says. "She ran back upstairs, covered the baby's mouth and ran to my house."

Police say one or more suspects may have been looking to rob the couple.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.