The NYPD said the 29-year-old man who was recently arrested and charged for a third-degree assault on a 58-year-old man in August, has since been charged with first-degree manslaughter in relation to the same incident. The victim was assaulted and hospitalized last month but one month later, he succumbed to his injuries and died.

 

Police said that on Sunday, Aug. 4, at around 5 p.m., police responded to a 911 call regarding an assault in progress at 7 West Mosholu Parkway North. “Upon arrival, police were informed that a 58-year-old male had been punched in the head by another individual, causing him to fall to the floor,” a police spokesperson said.

 

“EMS responded and transported the male to St. Barnabas Hospital,” the spokesperson added. “On Saturday, September 7, 2024, the 58-year-old male succumbed to his injuries. The incident has now been deemed a homicide by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.”

 

Police said that pursuant to an ongoing investigation, Dequan Jackson, 29, from Claremont Village section of The Bronx was arrested on Aug. 4, at 5.41 p.m. They said he was initially charged with third degree assault. On Tuesday, Sept. 17, police said Jackson was charged the same day with first-degree manslaughter.

 

The deceased has been identified as Benjamin Bernal of Anderson Avenue in the Highbridge section of The Bronx.

 

Jackson is deemed innocent unless and until convicted in a court of law.