NEW YORK (77 WABC) — The Manhattan District Attorney’s office has dropped murder charges against bodega worker Jose Alba who claimed self defense in the stabbing death of 35-year-old Austin Simon.
The attack happened on July 1 at a bodega in Northern Manhattan’s Hamilton Heights. The suspect barged behind the counter and was seen and heard on surveillance video threatening Alba.
The attacker was angry with the way Alba treated his girlfriend grabbing back a bag of chips after her EBT card was declined.
Alba was sent to Riker’s Island before being released on reduced bond. The group representing the Bodega Workers of America had fought for the charges to be dropped.
