Ramel Burke, 32, was released from a psychiatric facility on Thursday night after allegedly pushing an elderly man to his death down a subway staircase in Manhattan, according to reports.
Police apprehended Burke earlier that day and took him to Bellevue Hospital. An official from the New York City Police Department stated he was considered “emotionally disturbed.” However, he was discharged within an hour and a half.
Just a few hours later, Burke reportedly killed 76-year-old Ross Falzone by pushing him down a subway staircase in Chelsea, as confirmed by a police official.
Interestingly, at the time of his arrest, witnesses described Burke’s behavior as “unusual,” claiming he was wielding a stick he found in a trash can.
Police responded to the scene after finding Falzone unconscious. He was taken to Bellevue, where he was later pronounced dead, suffering from severe injuries including a traumatic brain injury and broken bones.
Mark Stager, a neighbor of the victim, expressed his outrage, calling the act cowardly and foolish. “He’s just a helpless old man,” he stated.
This incident marked Burke’s fifth arrest in 2026. His previous arrests included robbery, resisting arrest, and assaulting a police officer, among other charges.
Falzone’s sister, Donna, shared her devastation, remarking on the shock of receiving such news early in the morning. She provided context that her brother was not only a former special education teacher but also held a doctorate.
In the aftermath, New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani called for an investigation into how Bellevue handled Burke’s evaluation prior to the incident. He expressed his horror at the murder and extended his condolences to Falzone’s family, stating New Yorkers deserve clarity regarding the events leading up to such a tragedy.
Mamdani has directed an immediate investigation into the psychiatric department’s protocols to ensure similar incidents are prevented in the future.
