A Honduran national with a history of four prior deportations has been indicted on second-degree murder charges following the death of an 83-year-old veteran shoved onto subway tracks in Manhattan.
Bairon Hernandez allegedly attacked two individuals in an unprovoked spree on March 8 at the Lexington Avenue-63rd Street station. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office confirmed that Richard Williams, a decorated veteran who walked with a cane, died on March 17 after suffering a catastrophic brain bleed. He never regained consciousness.
The incident began around 11:40 a.m. on the F/Q platform. Prosecutors allege Hernandez used his body to shove a 30-year-old man onto the tracks, causing shoulder injuries. As that victim attempted to climb back to safety, Hernandez reportedly approached Williams from behind.
According to the indictment, Hernandez used both hands to propel the elderly man off the platform. Williams struck the tracks face-first. While the 30-year-old victim survived and is in stable condition, the assault proved fatal for Williams.
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The case has intensified scrutiny regarding transit safety and immigration enforcement. Hernandez, who pleaded not guilty on March 30, possesses a sprawling criminal record including 15 prior charges for assault, domestic violence, and weapons offenses.
Federal records indicate Hernandez first entered the U.S. in 2008 and was deported four times, most recently in 2020. He reentered the country illegally at an unknown date. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lodged a detainer against him following his arrest on March 10.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg labeled the incident an “abhorrent assault,” promising rigorous prosecution for those violating the safety of the city’s transit system.
“My thoughts are with the loved ones of Mr. Williams who are mourning his tragic loss,” Bragg stated. “Those who use violence in our bustling transit system will be prosecuted.”
Hernandez faces multiple felony counts, including:
- Second-degree murder
- First-degree attempted assault
- Second-degree assault
The Department of Homeland Security has requested that Hernandez remain in custody without bail, citing his history of absconding and repeated illegal reentries. The investigation remains active as authorities review surveillance footage from the Upper East Side station.
