Hans Kickerbocker(WWNY)
TOWN OF RUSSELL, New York (WWNY) – An autopsy confirmed Friday that a St. Lawrence County man found dead on his couch earlier this week was strangled, and his son has been charged in connection with the death.
Forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Sikirica performed the autopsy at Glens Falls Hospital at approximately 9 a.m. on Feb. 27. The victim was identified as Philip A. Knickerbocker, 63, of Hermon. The cause of death was determined to be asphyxia due to strangulation. The manner of death was ruled a homicide.
What happened at the Russell home
New York State Police responded to a report of a dead male inside a residence on Pyrites-Russell Road in the town of Russell at approximately 7:49 p.m. on Feb. 25. Troopers found Knickerbocker dead on a couch inside the home.
Court documents obtained by 7 News say the incident began around 8 p.m. when Philip Knickerbocker and his wife, Jacqueline, had an argument about their marriage in the living room. According to the documents, the dispute escalated when Philip dumped coffee on Jacqueline’s head and attempted to punch her.
The altercation upset Philip’s son, Hans Knickerbocker, 40, of Hermon, who was in his bedroom at the time. Hans then confronted his father. Court papers say Hans allegedly beat his father with his fists, used both hands to choke him, and applied his full body weight on Philip’s throat with his elbow. Philip Knickerbocker died from his injuries.
Charges and court appearance
Hans Knickerbocker was detained and transported to State Police barracks in Canton for questioning on Feb. 25. He was charged with criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation.
Knickerbocker was arraigned in the Town of Hermon Court and remanded to the St. Lawrence County Correctional Facility in lieu of $5,000 cash bail, $10,000 bond, or $20,000 secured bond.
State Police said further charges against Hans Knickerbocker are pending based on additional evidence obtained and the results of the autopsy.
Neighbors react
Don Powers, a Russell town resident who said he has lived on Pyrites-Russell Road his whole life, said the area is not accustomed to incidents of this nature.
“It’s not like Ogdensburg, or Watertown, or Syracuse,” Powers said. “It’s a small town, and we’re not used to that.”
Powers said most neighbors had little to no interaction with the family. He said the last time he spoke with them was a few years ago when he stopped to ask about a truck in the front yard.
“They were decent folks,” Powers said. “I haven’t seen them since. I see them out, and I just wave to them.”
The investigation is ongoing.
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