D.A. Bragg Announces Murder Indictment Of Rhamell Burke For Fatally Shoving 76-Year-Old Down Subway Stairs

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., today announced the indictment of RHAMELL BURKE, 32, for allegedly fatally shoving 76-year-old Ross Falzone down a flight of stairs at a Chelsea subway station in May 2026. BURKE is charged in a New York State Supreme Court indictment with one count of Murder in the Second Degree. [1]

"Ross Falzone was walking to a Chelsea subway station when Rhamell Burke allegedly shoved him down the stairs, abruptly ending his life. This unprovoked and terrifying act of violence committed against an older New Yorker shook our city," said District Attorney Bragg. "My thoughts are with Mr. Falzone's loved ones as they mourn his tragic loss."

As alleged in court documents and statements made on the record, on May 7, 2026, at approximately 9:30 p.m., Ross Falzone, a 76-year-old man, was walking towards the 18^th Street and 7^th Avenue subway station entrance. BURKE was walking on the same block, behind Mr. Falzone, without interacting.

Mr. Falzone reached the top of the stairs to enter the subway station and briefly paused. BURKE approached him from behind, and without saying a word, used two hands to forcibly shove him down the stairs.

EMS arrived on the scene and transported Mr. Falzone to Bellevue Hospital at approximately 10 p.m. in an ambulance for his head injuries and broken ribs.

At the hospital, his brain bleed progressed, and he was pronounced dead at approximately 2:55 a.m. the following morning.

Assistant D.A.s Michael Mcintosh (Trial Bureau 70) and Brielle Oshinsky (Trial Bureau 30) are handling the prosecution of this case under the supervision of Executive Assistant D.A. Lisa DelPizzo (Chief of the Trial Division).

D.A. Bragg thanked the NYPD, particularly Detective Nicholas Clemente of the 13^th Precinct Detective Squad and Detective Frank Difranco of the Manhattan South Homicide Squad.

Defendant Information:

RHAMELL BURKE

Charged:

• Murder in the Second Degree, a class A-I felony, one count

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[1] The charge contained in the indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. All factual recitations are derived from documents filed in court and statements made on the record in court.