Man charged with murder in Russell

RUSSELL, NY — A Hermon man has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of his father following a domestic dispute.

Hans Knickerbocker, 40, of Hermon, was arraigned on the murder charge on Feb. 27, 2026, in the Town of Canton Court and remanded to the St. Lawrence County Jail without bail.

The victim was identified as Philip A. Knickerbocker, 63, of Hermon, following an autopsy completed at approximately 9 a.m. on Feb. 27, 2026, at Glens Falls Hospital by Forensic Pathologist Dr. Michael Sikirica.

The cause of death was determined to be asphyxia due to strangulation, and the manner of death was ruled a homicide.

New York State Police responded to a report of a deceased male inside a residence on Pyrites-Russell Road in the town of Russell at approximately 7:49 p.m. on Feb. 25, 2026.

A preliminary investigation determined a deceased male was located on a couch inside the residence.

As the investigation progressed, State Police determined that signs of foul play were present.

The investigation established that Philip Knickerbocker and his son 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 further questioning on Feb. 25, 2026.

He was initially charged with criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation on Feb. 25, 2026.

He 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.

The murder charge was filed after additional evidence was obtained and the autopsy results were completed.

The investigation remains ongoing.