A 66-year-old Throggs Neck man who never recovered from a brutal sidewalk mugging has become the center of a homicide case, with police now cuffing a 20-year-old in connection with the deadly attack.
Investigators say Malik Field, 20, has been arrested on murder and robbery charges after an attempted robbery last fall left Wesley James badly hurt and later dead, according to News 12 New York. James was attacked in September, fell, hit his head, and died roughly two months later from the injury.
Police Detail Violent Street Attack
Investigators say James was outside his home on Sept. 18 when two men approached him. According to police, one of the men punched the 66-year-old in the face, causing him to fall and strike his head on the concrete while the pair went through his pockets before running off, News 12 Long Island reported. The head injury was later ruled responsible for his death about two months after the assault.
Search Continues For Second Suspect
Police have not said whether the second man allegedly involved in the robbery attempt is in custody, and investigators are still asking the public for help from anyone who may have seen the September attack, according to News 12 New York. Tips can be shared anonymously with NYPD Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS, per NYC.gov.
Grieving Family Called For Justice
In November, as James’s family laid him to rest, relatives publicly pleaded for justice and urged anyone with information to speak up. The case was later officially classified as a homicide, News 12 Long Island reported. Field’s arrest is the first major development in a case that neighbors and loved ones have watched linger since last fall.
