New York State police have charged a man with murdering his elderly father after the latter allegedly assaulted his wife.
Hans Knickerbocker, 40, has been charged withsecond-degree murderin the death of Philip Knickerbocker, 63, who was found dead on 25 February in their home. The cause of death was confirmed to be asphyxia due to strangulation.
Responding to a report of a deceased male, police arrived at the victim's Hermon residence and discovered him unresponsive on a couch. The incident was later ruled a homicide.
State Police discovered signs of foul play during investigations. According to apress release, Hans and his father, Philip, were having a verbal argument that escalated into aphysical altercation. Hans allegedly struck Philip in the head before strangling him.
Hans Knickerbocker was taken to SP Canton for questioning. Arraigned in the Town of Hermon Court and detained at St. Lawrence County Correctional Facility, the suspect was initially charged with Criminal Obstruction of Breathing or Blood Circulation. He was charged with second-degree murder on 27 February.
The incident escalated at around 8:00pm 25 February, according to court documents obtained byWWNYTV. Per the outlet, Philip Knickerbocker and his wife Jacqueline had been arguing about their marriage in the living room.
Things came to a head after Philip allegedly attempted to punch Jacqueline after dumping coffee on her head. Hearing the altercation from his bedroom, Hans went out to intervene.
Records state that Hans allegedly punched his father and initially choked him with both hands. Hans then pushed Philip into the couch, using his body weight and elbow to lean on Philip's throat. The latter died from his injuries shortly after.
A neighbour said they suspected no previous incident that would lead to the murder. 'They were decent folks,' said Don Powers, a Russell town resident. He also admitted that it's been years since he last spoke with the family. 'I haven't seen them since. I see them out, and I just wave to them.'
Powers said he's lived in the area all his life, and it's the first time he's heard of such an incident. 'It's not like Ogdensburg, or Watertown, or Syracuse,' he added. 'It's a small town, and we're not used to that.'
Source: International Business Times UK
