Friends and family of a retired teacher are outraged, claiming that the person charged with pushing him to his death down a Manhattan subway staircase should never have been out in public. They blame not just the attacker but also the system that allowed it to happen.
Ramel Burke, a struggling former Broadway dancer, was reportedly let go from Bellevue Hospital just an hour before he allegedly stabbed 76-year-old Ross Falzone in a Chelsea subway station on May 7. This incident, friends assert, highlights systemic failures in New York City’s policies.
“I hold the mayor, governor, Manhattan DA, and some City Council members responsible for Ross’ death. They support measures that keep violent offenders on the streets while neglecting victims,” said a friend of Falzone’s, who shared his thoughts on Facebook.
“I also blame New Yorkers who voted for these leaders and those who don’t vote at all,” he added.
Burke has a history of arrests—at least four prior, with multiple charges of physical assault—yet he was walking free. “Just think about that—four times!” a relative expressed disbelief.
Falzone’s cousin, Joe Sylvester, 70, questioned the judgment of the Bellevue staff, noting that releasing Burke after such a short time illustrated the flaws in the healthcare system.
The violent act was caught on surveillance cameras. Burke, 32, had mingled with celebrities and even performed in the Broadway show “King Kong” until 2019 before his life took a downturn.
In the months leading up to the incident, he had several encounters with law enforcement, including a disturbance at the same subway station where the attack occurred.
On the day of the fatal incident, Burke had been sent to Bellevue following an altercation, only to be released shortly after. He allegedly then pushed Falzone down the stairs and fled. Later that same day, he showed up in court for an unrelated charge, managed to leave without any connections being made to the subway incident.
Eventually, he was apprehended on the street. Critics have voiced concern over Governor Kathy Hochul and state lawmakers, pointing to a no-bail policy that allows dangerous individuals to remain unconfined. Meanwhile, the mayor has faced backlash for not effectively managing the city’s approach to mentally ill individuals who lack housing.
In court after his arrest, Burke appeared to smile as he was denied bail. He faces murder charges and is set to return to Manhattan Supreme Court on June 17.
Falzone was remembered as a gentle person, originally from Jessup, Pennsylvania, but who had embraced life in New York City for about 50 years. His cousin mentioned how much he loved the city, even feeling safer there than back home.
“He cherished exploring new places,” Sylvester recalled, recounting an experience where Falzone had taken him to see a Ukrainian jazz band in an unconventional venue.
Falzone was well-educated, having earned multiple degrees from universities including Bloomsburg State and Columbia. His sister described him as a gentle soul who would never hurt anyone, emphasizing his frail stature.
“I used to warn him against taking the subway,” said a friend, reflecting on the tragic loss. “We really need to restore order and civility in society.”
