A Ridge man is being held without bail after allegedly beating a man to death inside of an Econo Lodge motel room in Hicksville.

Police say Vincent Dalton, 51, was out on parole when he killed Erik O'Connell, 37, of East Meadow. Court documents show that O'Connell was beaten in the head with an unknown object, and found "hog-tied," lying on the floor of the motel room.

Dalton was arrested Tuesday and charged with murder in the second degree. Authorities say Dalton has a history of violence and had been arrested 14 times before.

Detectives say the motive for the killing is not yet known.

"We believe the two individuals were only acquaintances. They could have known each other for less than 24 hours," says Capt. John Azzata.

Before the killing, the two men had been seen drinking together at the Headliner Bar in Hicksville. An employee says they were friendly, and left to walk toward the Econo Lodge. Police say surveillance video and bar staff helped them make a fast arrest.

Police say no one at the motel heard a struggle. Motel staff had no comment for News 12 Long Island Wednesday.

A funeral for O'Connell was held today.