Migrant Charged with Murder After Shoving 83-Year-Old Veteran Onto Subway Tracks

The victim, a recent cancer survivor, died from his injuries after the attack in New York City.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 11:05pm

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A 34-year-old Honduran migrant named Bairon Posda-Hernandez has been charged with second-degree murder after allegedly shoving 83-year-old US Air Force veteran Richard Williams onto the subway tracks in Manhattan, leading to Williams' death. The incident occurred on March 8, and Williams passed away on March 17 from his injuries. Posda-Hernandez has a long criminal history and has been deported from the US four times.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing challenges of immigration enforcement and the need to balance public safety with compassion. The death of a decorated veteran who had recently survived cancer has sparked outrage and renewed calls for tougher policies on repeat offenders and undocumented immigrants with criminal records.

The details

According to authorities, on March 8, Posda-Hernandez allegedly shoved Williams and another man, Jhon Pena, onto the subway tracks at the Lexington Avenue-63 Street station in Manhattan. Pena was able to pull himself and Williams off the tracks just before a train arrived, but Williams suffered a brain bleed and did not regain brain activity after surgery. His death on March 17 was ruled a homicide. Posda-Hernandez has a lengthy criminal history, including 15 prior charges such as assault, weapons possession, and drug offenses, and has been deported from the US four times.

  • On March 8, Posda-Hernandez allegedly shoved Williams and Pena onto the subway tracks.
  • Williams passed away on March 17 after not regaining brain activity following surgery.

The players

Bairon Posda-Hernandez

A 34-year-old Honduran national who has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of Richard Williams. Posda-Hernandez has a long criminal history and has been deported from the US four times.

Richard Williams

An 83-year-old US Air Force veteran and recent cancer survivor who was randomly shoved onto the subway tracks by Posda-Hernandez, leading to his death.

Jhon Pena

A 30-year-old man who was also allegedly pushed onto the subway tracks by Posda-Hernandez, but was able to pull himself and Williams off the tracks before a train arrived.

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What they’re saying

“Bairon Posada-Hernandez is a serial criminal and four-time deported illegal alien from Honduras who should never have been able to walk our streets and harm innocent Americans.”

— Lauren Bis, Deputy Assistant Secretary

“Richard Williams selflessly served our country, and he died at the hands of an illegal alien who NEVER SHOULD HAVE BEEN HERE. This should NEVER HAPPEN. This isn't what he served for.”

— Rick Scott, Senator, Chair of Senate Special Committee on Aging

What’s next

Posda-Hernandez's arraignment is set for March 30, where he will face the second-degree murder charge.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the complex issues surrounding immigration, criminal justice, and public safety. It has reignited debates over how to balance compassion for vulnerable populations with the need to protect innocent lives from repeat offenders, regardless of immigration status.