‘Serial Criminal’ Fatally Pushes 83-Year-Old Veteran Onto NYC Subway Tracks, Granddaughter Mourns ‘Immeasurable’ Loss

The granddaughter of an 83-year-old U.S. Air Force veteran killed after being shoved onto New York City subway tracks has spoken out about the family’s “immeasurable loss.”

Bairon Posada-Hernandez, a Honduran national who had previously been deported four times, allegedly pushed two men onto the tracks on March 8. One victim, 30-year-old Jhon Pena, survived, while Richard Williams died from his injuries.

Now, Williams’ granddaughter, Jackie Bilog, was seen fighting her tears outside the courtroom following Hernandez’s hearing on March 30.

“He was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather and a kind generous man whose life was centered around those he loved,” Bilog, 37, said, according to The New York Post.

“The loss we feel is immeasurable and the circumstances surrounding his passing had made his grief more difficult to bear,” she said.

Bilog said she hopes her grandfather’s death will bring “awareness and meaningful action” to help prevent other families from experiencing the same tragic loss.

“He will be remembered for his warmth, his integrity and the deep love he gave so freely. We’ll carry him with us always,” she said.

The Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr. charged Hernandez with one count each of murder in the second degree, attempted assault in the first degree, and assault in the second degree.

Hernandez pleaded not guilty to the charges.

“Two New Yorkers were waiting for the subway on a Sunday morning when they were shoved into the tracks, allegedly by Bairon Hernandez. He used such force that he killed Richard Williams, an 83-year-old veteran,” said Bragg.

“I hope the survivor continues to heal from this abhorrent assault, and my thoughts are with the loved ones of Mr. Williams who are mourning his tragic loss. Those who use violence in our bustling transit system will be prosecuted," he said.

According to court documents, on March 8, 2026, at approximately 11:39 a.m., the suspect walked past a 30-year-old man on the subway platform at the 63rd Street and Lexington Avenue subway station and shoved him onto the tracks.

The victim landed on his knees and injured his shoulder. As he was getting up, Williams was walking on the platform with a cane. Hernandez came behind him and used both hands to forcibly push him into the tracks.

Williams landed on his face and suffered a brain bleed and did not regain consciousness. He died from his injuries on March 17.

The case has also drawn a response from federal officials.

Deputy Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said Hernandez is a serial criminal who should never have been able to “walk our streets and harm innocent Americans”.

“We are praying for the victims and their families. DHS is calling upon New York sanctuary politicians to commit to this ICE detainer and not release this heinous criminal back into New York communities,” Bis added.

Hernandez first entered the country on January 2, 2008, and has been deported four different times, most recently in 2020. He re-entered illegally a fifth time at an unknown date and location.

Posada-Hernandez has a lengthy criminal history, including 15 prior charges such as simple assault, domestic violence, obstruction of police, possession of a weapon, drug possession, and aggravated assault, DHS said in a statement.

If convicted, Hernandez faces a maximum of 25 years to life on the murder charge.