Elderly NYC Man Released Without Bail in Roommate’s Stabbing Death.
Self-Defense Claim in Manhattan Senior Residence Incident
Michael Pinder, a 70-year-old resident of Manhattan, has been released without bail after being accused of fatally stabbing his 71-year-old roommate, Joseph Pescitelli, in their senior residence. Pinder claims he acted in self-defense.
At his arraignment in the Manhattan Criminal Court, Pinder faced charges of first-degree manslaughter. The incident occurred Tuesday night at the Dorothy Ross Friedman Residence in Hell’s Kitchen.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office is investigating Pinder’s self-defense claim. He alleged that Pescitelli initially attacked him with the knife. In light of this, prosecutors requested Pinder’s release for further investigation.
Pinder, with a history of several arrests dating back over two decades, reportedly struggled with Pescitelli in their apartment. Police found the victim in a bathtub with multiple stab wounds. Despite being rushed to Mount Sinai Morningside, Pescitelli succumbed to his injuries.
Prosecutors cited Pinder’s age and the fact that his last arrest was in 2000 as reasons for granting supervised release, which Judge Janet McDonnell approved. His criminal history includes charges of possession of a controlled substance and grand larceny, mostly from the 1990s.
Pinder is scheduled to return to court on January 22 for the manslaughter case.
This case presents a complex scenario involving self-defense claims in a violent altercation, with ongoing investigations to ascertain the exact circumstances leading to the tragic death.
