HERMON — A Hermon man is in St. Lawrence County jail after being accused of strangling his father to death inside a residence on the Pyrites-Russell Road in the town of Russell, according to state police.
In a news release issued Friday afternoon, state police report that Hans Knickerbocker, 40, was arrested Wednesday on a count of criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation. He was arraigned in Hermon Town Court and was remanded to the St. Lawrence County jail, Canton, in lieu of $5,000 cash bail, $10,000 bond or $20,000 secured bond.
Knickerbocker is accused of strangling his father, Philip A. Knickerbocker, 63, Hermon, who was found dead inside a residence on the Pyrites-Russell Road in the town of Russell around 7:49 p.m. Wednesday.
“As the investigation progressed, State Police determined that signs of foul play were present. The investigation established that Philip Knickerbocker and his son, Hans Knickerbocker, age 40, of Hermon, were involved in a verbal argument that escalated into a physical altercation. During the incident, Hans allegedly struck his father in the head and strangled him,” stated a news release.
Troopers state that Hans Knickerbocker was detained and transported to its Canton barracks for further questioning on Wednesday.
On Friday at 9 a.m., troopers report that an autopsy was completed 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, according to troopers.
State police report that the investigation is continuing and that due to additional evidence and results of the autopsy, further charges against Hans Knickerbocker are pending.
