Elderly Air Force Veteran Dies After NYC Subway Attack, Suspect Charged With Murder
An 83-year-old U.S. Air Force veteran has died after being pushed onto subway tracks in Manhattan, with prosecutors now charging the suspect, Bairon Hernandez, with second-degree murder.
The victim, Richard Williams, succumbed to his injuries on March 17 following the March 8 attack at the Lexington Avenue–63rd Street station on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Authorities said Williams suffered severe head trauma after being shoved onto the tracks and never regained consciousness.
Police allege Hernandez pushed both Williams and another man onto the southbound F train tracks just before noon. Bystanders were able to pull both victims back onto the platform moments before an oncoming train arrived.
The second victim, Jhon Rodriguez, was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. He told authorities that Williams struck his head and was bleeding heavily immediately after the fall.
Hernandez fled the scene but was arrested days later at a homeless shelter. Following Williams’ death, the charge against him was upgraded from assault to murder. The medical examiner has ruled the death a homicide.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, Hernandez is in the country illegally and has a lengthy criminal history, including multiple prior arrests. Federal officials say he had been deported several times but reentered the United States.
Williams, a retired Air Force pilot, had recently beaten a years-long battle with prostate cancer and was described by family as having regained his strength and outlook on life before the attack.
Authorities have not publicly identified a motive for the incident.
The case has added to growing concerns about public safety in New York City, particularly following a string of high-profile violent incidents. It has also intensified debate over immigration enforcement, criminal justice policies, and how local and federal authorities coordinate.
Hernandez is expected to be arraigned in Manhattan Supreme Court on March 30.