NEW YORK (WOLF) — A Broadway performer is facing a murder charge after police say a 76-year-old man with ties to northeastern Pennsylvania was pushed down a subway staircase in what investigators describe as an unprovoked attack.
Authorities say 32-year-old Rhamell Burke, who previously appeared in various Broadway productions, including King Kong, allegedly shoved Ross Falzone inside the 18th Street subway station in Chelsea on Thursday.
Falzone was found unresponsive and later died at Bellevue Hospital. Investigators say he suffered severe injuries, including a traumatic brain injury and multiple fractures. The case is being investigated as a homicide.
Police say the incident happened just hours after Burke had been released from a psychiatric evaluation. Earlier that day, officers had taken Burke into custody after reports of erratic behavior near a Manhattan police station.
Burke was arrested Friday at Penn Station and arraigned the following day. He is currently being held without bail at Rikers Island.
Authorities say Burke has been arrested several times since February, including cases involving alleged assaults, and was on supervised release at the time of the incident.
Falzone, who had ties to Jessup, Pennsylvania, was known locally for his strong educational background and connection to the community. According to The Times-Tribune, he graduated from St. Patrick’s High School in 1967 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Bloomsburg University and a master’s degree from Marywood University. He also completed doctoral coursework at Columbia University.