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May 30, 2023

Staten Island man punched in the head dies of injuries: cops

A Staten Island man left comatose after taking a punch to the head has died from injuries suffered in the confrontation last month, police said Friday. Victim Dale Cappelli, 57, was near his home on

A Staten Island man left comatose after taking a punch to the head has died from injuries suffered in the confrontation last month, police said Friday.

Victim Dale Cappelli, 57, was near his home on Port Richmond Ave. near Richmond Terrace about 6:40 p.m. on July 24 when he became embroiled in an escalating dispute with Troy Garrett, cops said.

As the argument heated up, the 40-year-old Garrett punched Cappelli in the face, sending the already bleeding victim reeling backward, causing the back of his head to hit the pavement as he fell unconscious.

Criminal charges against Garrett may be upgraded now that Cappelli has died, officials said. Garrett, who lived six miles away on Ebbits St., was arrested at the scene, initially charged with assault and released without bail after a brief arraignment.

“They seemed to be arguing and then this guy just whacked Dale,” said neighbor John Schiavona, 70, who was at the crime scene when police arrived. “Now that Dale is dead, this is a clear case of murder as he did not die of any natural causes.”

The 15-year resident said Cappelli moved into the neighborhood about 10 years ago, living alone in his apartment.

EMS rushed the victim to Richmond University Medical Center, where he lapsed into a coma and died this past Monday, officials said.

A GoFund me page seeking funds for Cappelli’s funeral has already received $3,100 in donations.

“He’s a nice guy who will give you what he has,” Cappelli’s longtime friend Anthony Rondinelli told the Staten Island Advance. “He’s a sharing type of guy, very friendly, outgoing. When most people meet him, they like him.”

Cappelli’s family last week made a public plea to anyone who witnessed the fight to come forward.

“Many people witnessed the assault,” the victim’s brother David Cappelli told the Advance. “I don’t know if anyone has come forward. That will help build a case.”