NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — A 33-year-old man was indicted for murder over the fatal stabbing of a bicyclist who bumped into him in Queens, District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Tuesday.
Nelson Torres is facing multiple murder and robbery charges as well as criminal possession of a weapon.
According to officials, at approximately 12:16 a.m. on April 14, Torres was standing in line on the sidewalk at a food truck near the near the Junction Boulevard 7-train station in Jackson Heights.
Anderson David Archila Martinez, 22, rode his bicycle past Torres and inadvertently struck his book bag. Torres then allegedly chased after Archila Martinez, knocked him from the bicycle and stole it.
An argument ensued between the two men. Torres then chased Archila Martinez as he rode away, then allegedly knocked him off his bicycle and took the bike while holding a knife in his hand.
Archila Martinez pulled out his cellphone, called 911, reported that his bicycle was stolen, and that he was pursuing the person responsible. Archila Martinez caught up to Torres to recover his bicycle on the northeast corner of Junction Boulevard and Roosevelt Avenue and was knocked to the ground.
After being knocked off the bicycle, Torres allegedly thrust a knife at Archila Martinez and stabbed him in the abdomen, authorities said.
Archila Martinez was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Torres is expected to return to court on Sep. 3 and faces up to life in prison.
"As alleged, the defendant violently ended the life of a young man who did nothing more than bump into him. He is accused of stealing the victim’s bicycle and stabbing him to death with a knife when the victim tried to get his property back," D.A. Katz said. "The defendant is now indicted for first-degree murder and other serious charges."