By Gus Saltonstall
A man has been indicted for murder in connection with fatally pushing a 76-year-old Upper West Sider down a set of subway stairs, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office announced on Wednesday.
Rhamell Burke, 32, was indicted on second-degree murder charges this week for allegedly shoving Ross Falzone, 76, down a flight of stairs at a Chelsea subway station, according to the DA; Falzone died from the fall.
Falzone, a retired special education teacher who held a doctoral degree from Columbia University, lived on West 85th Street, between Amsterdam and Columbus, according to reports and police.
“Ross Falzone was walking to a Chelsea subway station when Rhamell Burke allegedly shoved him down the stairs, abruptly ending his life,” Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said in a news release. “This unprovoked and terrifying act of violence committed against an older New Yorker shook our city.”
On May 7, Falzone was walking toward the 18th Street 1 train station as Burke was walking on the same block behind him; the two had not interacted, according to court documents. Falzone reached the top of the stairs to the station, and as he briefly paused, Burke came up behind him and shoved him with two hands down the stairs, without ever saying a word, according to court documents.
Falzone was rushed to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries a short time later, police said.
Earlier that day, Burke had already been picked up by police officers for acting erratically and brandishing a stick. He was transported to Bellevue Hospital for a psychiatric evaluation, but was released shortly afterward. Five hours later, he shoved Falzone to his death, according to authorities.
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Not sure you need to use the word “Allegedly” in this headline. Indictment implies that nothing has been proven, but the DA has made the accusation.
According to the US Constitution, any accused person is “INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY.” I’m sure you’ve heard that phrase before.
Journalists are careful to use “alleged” in cases like this because journalists and news outlets have been sued for libel/slander because failure to use a form of “alleged” before a crime has been proven implies the perp is actually guilty of the crime.
It’s still “alleged” until it’s proven in a court of law.
Such a sad story. I hope this alleged murderer gets his speedy trial and of found guilty by a jury of his peers goes to prison. I also hope any providers responsible for his care and feeding are held accountable for their failure to provide him the supervision he should have been receiving. And that includes any legal aid reps who argued for his release. And of course the judge. And our legislators who can’t seem to pass laws to address this growing problem. Prayers to the friends and family of Mr Falzone.
Unfortunately it doesn’t work that way.
Vera. I couldn’t have said it any better. Thank you
What is this, “Law-Abiding Citizen”? Noone will be held responsible here, let alone lawyers, judges, legislators. The only outcome – already in progress – will be the family of the poor victim continue to suffer and never get the justice they deserve. Oh, and some grand-standing politician announcing we need more billions for “services” – the money ran out right before it reached this guy.
I would love to see the case notes from when he was at Bellevue. What was the diagnosis? Why was he released? This sounds like criminal malpractice.
From the OP, about Rhamell Burke, the “alleged” pusher: “He was transported to Bellevue Hospital for a psychiatric evaluation, but was released shortly afterward. Five hours later, he shoved Falzone to his death, according to authorities.”
We need law and order politicians. None are running on the UWS except Timmins, and no one ever hears about his campaign.
How can it be “allegedly” when it was caught on camera/surveillance? This degenerate killed a man who was minding his own business. I’m “sorry” but I don’t give a hoot about him. My compassion is reserved for the murdered man’s family.
It is not “alleged” that the victim fell to his death. It is alleged that Rhamell Burke is the person in the video who did the pushing.
Another very sad story that never should have happened. The NYPD did their job: They evaluated Burke’s behavior as erratic, picked him up and brought him to Bellevue. From there it’s inexplicable how he could be released and out on the streets the same day. Why do the NYPD have more of an understanding of dangerous behavior than the “highly trained professionals” at Bellevue?
Because the insurance won’t pay
The last paragraph says it all, doesn’t it?
St. Ronald Reagan closed the mental hospitals and kicked out mental patients who are unable to care for themselves. We need good , humane care for these people, and facilities , personnel, and housing for them. Otherwise, nothing will change. Excoriating the police, the courts, the judges, and the homeless achieves nothing except creating more hot air and outrage.