A Honduran national, described as a “serial criminal,” faces charges of second-degree murder following a tragic incident involving an elderly U.S. Air Force veteran. The veteran, who had recently overcome cancer, was fatally injured after being pushed onto New York City subway tracks.

The heartbreaking event took place on March 8, when 34-year-old Bairon Posda-Hernandez allegedly shoved 83-year-old Richard Williams onto the tracks at the Lexington Avenue-63 Street subway station in Manhattan.

Despite being pushed as well, 30-year-old Jhon Pena managed to pull both himself and Williams to safety just moments before a train arrived, as reported by FOX News Digital.

Tragically, Williams succumbed to his injuries on March 17 in a local hospital. He never regained brain activity after undergoing surgery to address a brain bleed, leading to his death being classified as a homicide.

Williams was a beloved grandfather and a retired Air Force pilot. His daughter shared that he had recently emerged victorious from a five-year battle with prostate cancer, highlighting the deep sorrow brought by his untimely death.

The victim was a grandfather and retired Air Force pilot who, according to his daughter, recently survived a five-year battle with prostate cancer.

After Williams’ death, authorities upgraded Hernandez’s charges to second-degree murder, District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced Thursday. He was originally charged on March 10 with attempted murder, attempted assault, assault and reckless endangerment, according to Newsweek.

Posda-Hernandez has reportedly been deported from the US four times. He has a long history of arrests, including simple assault, domestic violence, obstruction of police, possession of a weapon, drug possession and aggravated assault; a total of 15 charges, according to FOX. 

“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,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. 

Newsweek reported that the Senate’s Special Committee on Aging, chaired by Florida Republican Senator Rick Scott, also commented on the death of Williams.

“Richard Williams selflessly served our country, and he died at the hands of an illegal alien who NEVER SHOULD HAVE BEEN HERE,” as seen on a Thursday X post.

“This should NEVER HAPPEN. This isn’t what he served for.”

Hernandez’s arraignment  is set for March 30, according to The New York Post.

Check back for updates.

[Feature Photo: US Department of Homeland]