A 63-year-old Hermon man died from strangulation after an argument with his son escalated into a physical fight, according to New York State Police.
An autopsy completed at 9 a.m. Feb. 27 at Glens Falls Hospital determined that Philip A. Knickerbocker died from asphyxia due to strangulation. The manner of death was ruled a homicide.
State Police responded around 7:49 p.m. Feb. 25 to a home on Pyrites-Russell Road in the town of Russell for a report of a deceased man. Troopers found Knickerbocker on a couch inside the residence.
Investigators said a domestic dispute had occurred earlier in the home. As the investigation continued, police determined that Philip Knickerbocker and his son, Hans Knickerbocker, 40, of Hermon, were involved in a verbal argument that turned physical.
Police allege Hans Knickerbocker struck his father in the head and strangled him during the altercation.
Hans Knickerbocker was detained and taken to State Police in Canton for questioning. He was charged Feb. 25 with criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation.
He was arraigned in Hermon Town 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.
State Police said additional charges are pending based on further evidence and the autopsy results. The investigation remains ongoing.
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