Veteran, 83, Walking with Cane Di*s After Getting Pushed by Stranger onto N.Y.C. Subway Tracks: DA
Suspect Bairon Hernandez is accused by prosecutors of pushing 83-year-old Richard Williams and a 30-year-old man onto the tracks, with the younger man surviving the incident
An 83-year-old veteran has died following a tragic incident at a New York City subway station, according to authorities. Officials say the elderly man was involved in an unexpected encounter that led to him falling onto the tracks.
Richard Williams, 83, died days after the incident, while a 30-year-old man survived after both were allegedly shoved onto the Upper East Side tracks by Bairon Hernandez on March 8, according to a press release from the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.
Around 11:40 a.m. that day, Hernandez was on the F/Q platform at the Lexington Avenue-63rd Street station when he allegedly pushed a 30-year-old man onto the tracks with his body, per the release. The man fell to his knees and injured his shoulder.
As he tried to get up, Williams was walking nearby with a cane when Hernandez allegedly approached him from behind and used both hands to shove him as well, prosecutors said.
Williams, prosecutors said, landed on his face and suffered a brain bleed, ultimately dying on March 17. They said he never regained consciousness.
The NYPD said in a press statement to PEOPLE that the other alleged victim was taken to a local hospital in stable condition.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg confirmed that Williams was a veteran. He added that he also hopes the other alleged victim recovers.
“I hope the survivor continues to heal from this abhorrent assault, and my thoughts are with the loved ones of Mr. Williams who are mourning his tragic loss,” Bragg said. “Those who use violence in our bustling transit system will be prosecuted.”
According to the D.A.’s office’s release, Hernandez has been indicted on charges of second-degree murder, first-degree attempted assault, and second-degree assault, all felonies. Hernandez pleaded not guilty to the charges on March 30, according to The New York Times.
After the incident, the Department of Homeland Security requested that Hernandez, a native of Honduras, stay in custody, citing his history of previous deportations and criminal charges, per a statement.
Hernandez has 15 prior charges, including assault, domestic violence, obstruction of police, and drug and weapons offenses. He first entered the United States in 2008 and was deported four times, most recently in 2020, before reentering at an unknown date.
He was arrested on March 10 on the attempted murder charge, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement placed a detainer on him that same day.
