RUSSELL, NY — A Hermon man faces additional charges after an autopsy determined his father died from strangulation following a physical altercation at a residence in the town of Russell.
Philip A. Knickerbocker, 63, of Hermon, was found dead inside a residence on Pyrites-Russell Road on Feb. 25 at approximately 7:49 p.m.
An autopsy completed Feb. 27 at approximately 9 a.m. at Glens Falls Hospital by Forensic Pathologist Dr. Michael Sikirica determined the cause of death was asphyxia due to strangulation.
The manner of death was ruled a homicide.
State Police determined signs of foul play were present at the scene.
The investigation established that Philip Knickerbocker and his son, Hans Knickerbocker, 40, of Hermon, were involved in a verbal argument that escalated into a physical altercation.
During the incident, Hans Knickerbocker allegedly struck his father in the head and strangled him.
Hans Knickerbocker was detained and transported to State Police Canton for questioning on Feb. 25.
He was charged with Criminal Obstruction of Breathing or Blood Circulation on Feb. 25.
Hans 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.
Further charges against Hans Knickerbocker are pending due to additional evidence obtained and the autopsy results.
