The death of an elderly man who died in the hospital last month has been ruled a homicide.
On Oct. 29, Felix Colon, 71, died in the hospital from injuries suffered during a physical altercation that took place at a rehabilitation center in the city.
According to prosecutors, on the day before his death, Colon and a 46-year-old man, whose name has not been released, were admitted to Capital Health Regional Medical Center after having a verbal dispute that turned physical.
The two men were residents of the Water’s Edge Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center on Union Street.
Felix Colon
Prosecutors say Colon died from injuries sustained in the altercation, and a medical examiner ruled his death a homicide caused by a massive subdural hematoma. No charges have been filed against the other man, prosecutors say, and the investigation is ongoing.
This year’s homicide toll is now 30.
Colon is one of six people who were killed within a 10-day period:
• Iyeesha Kia Thomas was found dead in Blaine Alley on Oct. 26; she was shot in the head.
• Silas Johnson was shot and killed on the same day Colon died, and police later arrested Randy Kareem Washington in connection with Johnson's murder.
• Levonza G. Thompson was shot and killed on Halloween, and police later arrested Donte Jones in connection with the killing.
• Quran Brittingham was found dead near a footpath leading to the Delaware and Raritan Canal on Nov. 3.
• And Rodney Burke was found dead inside his South Broad Street home on Nov. 4.
Police recently created a new crime unit aimed at engaging violent offenders during the daytime hours. Acting Police Director Ernest Parrey Jr. also reinstated two community liaison positions and the position of Community Affairs Detective to address citizen concerns and complaints.
Trenton Police also plans to introduce a web-based process that allows citizens to report complaints or concerns anonymously through the department’s website. Police say residents are hesitant to report violent crime to law enforcement out of fear of retaliation.
Anyone with information about unsolved homicides is asked to call the Mercer County Homicide Task Force at (609) 989-6406. Or use the Trenton police confidential tip line at (609) 989-3663.
Tipsters may also call the Trenton Crime Stoppers tipline at (609) 278-8477. Those wishing to text a tip can send a message labeled TCSTIPS to Trenton Crime Stoppers at 274637.