MANHATTAN, NY – In a shocking turn of events, a Manhattan-based senior citizen has been released without bail on charges of first-degree manslaughter following the fatal stabbing of a fellow senior citizen. The incident transpired during an altercation at their collective residence, the Dorothy Ross Friedman Residence in Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan, on Tuesday.
Michael Pinder, the 70-year-old defendant, was granted supervised release due to ongoing investigations surrounding his claims of self-defense against the victim, 71-year-old Joseph Pescitelli. The defendant alleges that it was Pescitelli who first brandished a knife during their altercation.
Upon reception of a 911 call, police arrived at the senior residence to discover a severely wounded Pescitelli in a bathtub, seemingly covered with stab wounds on his back and arm. Despite emergency care at Mount Sinai Morningside, Pescitelli could not be saved. The cause of death was identified as a stab wound to the back.
Meanwhile, Pinder, reported to have injuries to his hands and chest, was taken to the hospital. Despite having multiple prior arrests dating back to the 1990s, all charges have been over two decades old, a factor that contributed to the decision for Pinder’s supervised release. Having his last arrest on record in 2000, prosecutors suggest that this form of release presents the least restrictive means of ensuring his return to court.
Pinder, with six prior criminal cases involving accusations of criminal possession of a controlled substance and grand larceny, is due to appear in court for his manslaughter case on January 22.