An early morning home invasion in Upper Manhattan turned tragic when a 73-year-old man fell to his death while apparently attempting to escape the intruders. According to a report by ABC7NY, the incident occurred just after 4:30 a.m. on Saturday near West 161st Street and Broadway in Washington Heights.
Investigators say that one suspect initially broke into the apartment through a sixth-floor window by climbing scaffolding around the building and ascending the fire escape. Upon entry, he unlocked the front door to allow two other men inside. The trio then tied up a 40-year-old resident of the apartment, stealing an $8,000 gold chain and $200 in cash. During the robbery, Jacinto Remigo, the father of the man living there, and who was also home at the time, fell from the window to his death. "It's just terrible. And my condolences to him and his entire family - it's awful," neighbor Henrique Sobrinho told ABC7NY.
As further detailed by NBC New York, Heriberto Garcia, a friend of the victim for over thirty years, witnessed the tragic fall. Garcia recounted seeing his friend climb out of the window, onto a small ledge, and his subsequent fall was impeded by an air conditioner. The elder man was rushed to the hospital but later died from injuries sustained in the fall.
The tragedy has left the neighborhood in shock with many expressing their sadness over the incident. Police have yet to release descriptions of the suspects, though there are cameras in the victim's building that may aid in the investigation. Relatives of the deceased Remigo are expected to issue a statement today, shedding light on the man who lost his life under such tragic circumstances, and seeking justice for the senseless act that led to it.
