Bairon Posda-Hernandez, 34, a Honduran national with a history of multiple arrests and four prior deportations, has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of an 83-year-old Air Force veteran who was pushed onto subway tracks in Manhattan, authorities said Friday.
Background
On March 8, Posda-Hernandez allegedly shoved Richard Williams onto the Lexington Avenue-63 Street subway tracks in Manhattan. Williams, 83, was a retired Air Force pilot and grandfather who had recently survived a five-year battle with prostate cancer, according to his daughter.
Jhon Pena, 30, who was also allegedly pushed by Posda-Hernandez during the incident, managed to pull himself and Williams off the tracks just before a train arrived, despite sustaining his own injuries. Both men were transported to an area hospital.
Williams never regained brain activity following surgery for a brain bleed and died on March 17. His death has been ruled a homicide by the medical examiner.
Posda-Hernandez has a lengthy criminal history dating back years, including charges for simple assault, domestic violence, obstruction of police, possession of a weapon, drug possession and aggravated assault, totaling 15 charges across multiple jurisdictions, according to FOX News.
The Charges
District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced Thursday that Posda-Hernandez's charges had been upgraded to second-degree murder following Williams' death. The suspect was originally charged on March 10 with attempted murder, attempted assault, assault and reckless endangerment.
Posda-Hernandez was taken into custody shortly after the incident and remains in custody. His arraignment is scheduled for March 30, according to The New York Post.
Deputy Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis called Posda-Hernandez a "serial criminal and four-time deported illegal alien from Honduras who should never have been able to walk our streets and harm innocent Americans."
The Senate's Special Committee on Aging, chaired by Senator Rick Scott, also commented on Williams' death. "Richard Williams selflessly served our country, and he died at the hands of an illegal alien who NEVER SHOULD HAVE BEEN HERE," Scott said in a post on X.
Key Takeaways
- Richard Williams, 83, was a retired Air Force pilot and cancer survivor who died after being pushed onto subway tracks on March 8
- Williams died March 17 at an area hospital; his death has been ruled a homicide
- Suspect Bairon Posda-Hernandez, 34, faces second-degree murder charges
- Posda-Hernandez has been deported from the US four times and faces 15 prior charges
- A second victim, Jhon Pena, 30, was also allegedly pushed and sustained injuries
- Arraignment is scheduled for March 30
What's Next
Posda-Hernandez is scheduled to be arraigned on March 30 in Manhattan criminal court. The case will proceed through the judicial system as authorities continue to build their prosecution. Investigators are expected to present evidence including surveillance footage and witness statements to support the murder charge.