Connecticut man could face murder charge in road rage incident that left 71-year-old man on 'the verge of death'

A 25-year-old man may face a murder charge following an alleged assault this week that left a 71-year-old man on “the verge of death,” according to a state prosecutor.

Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Maureen Ornousky said that there is a “strong possibility” Emmanuel Matias, 25, who was arraigned on a charge of second-degree assault of an elderly person, could be charged with murder for the alleged attack if the man dies, according to the Stamford Advocate.

Matias was arrested following a collision at the intersection of Cold Spring Road and Randall Avenue in Stamford, Connecticut, around 12:30 p.m. Nov. 17, the Stamford Advocate reported.

Cops say the attack was precipitated by a suspected act of road rage that started with one car honking their horn at another while stopped at a traffic light at the intersection, according to the Stamford Advocate.

The exchange led to the 71-year-old man allegedly swerving into the other car’s lane and striking the car, the Stamford Advocate reported. The collision was described as “minor.”

Following the collision, Matias allegedly sped ahead of the 71-year-old and stopped, according to the Stamford Advocate.

Matias and the passenger in his car got out of their vehicle and confronted the other man, the Stamford Advocate reported.

When the 71-year-old got out of his car, Matias allegedly punched him once in the head, knocking him unconscious, according to the Stamford Advocate.

Matias was arrested after the incident, and the passenger in his car was not charged, the Stamford Advocate reported.

The 71-year-old victim, who police have not identified, was transported to Stamford Hospital in grave condition, according to the Stamford Advocate.

Police say the man’s condition has not improved as of Nov. 18, the Stamford Advocate reported.

Matias appeared in court on Nov. 19, according to the Stamford Advocate. Despite the bail commissioner recommending Matias be released on a promise to appear, Judge William Clark ultimately upheld the $250,000 bond, the Stamford Advocate reported.