KINGSBRIDGE HEIGHTS — A retired Marine killed his neighbor Sunday afternoon in a fight about the elevator in their Kingsbridge Heights apartment building, police said.
Joaquin Feliciano, 56, got into an argument with Felix Rodriguez, 75, in the elevator of 2824 University Ave., near West 197th Street, about 3:08 p.m., NYPD officials said.
One of them was holding the door open for people who were carrying some packages, but an NYPD spokesman didn't know which one.
The argument escalated and at some point Feliciano put Rodriguez in a chokehold and blocked his breathing, police said. Investigators found him lying on the floor of the elevator unconscious, officials said.
Rodriguez was pronounced dead at The Allen Hospital, police said.
"Felix was a very kind man. He'd help anybody he could. He was a very generous person," said Martha Torres, who dated Rodriguez in the '90s but who remained friends with him after their breakup.
"We went everywhere together. We'd just get in the car and take long drives upstate. We'd go to the beach. He liked to look at the scenery," Torres added.
Neighbors remembered Rodriguez as an avid animal lover.
"They were little mixes named Carlito and Lady. He loved those animals. He was a nice guy," said Tina Dauria, 89, who also lives in the building.
Neighbors said Feliciano, who they described as a single dad to a 3-year-old boy, was a good person.
"He's a great guy. He's a single father. He lived with his son," said Julio Estrela, 51.
Joaquin Feliciano, pictured, was charged with manslaughter in the death of Felix Rodriguez, police said. (Facebook)
Feliciano was arrested on a manslaughter charge and was awaiting arraignment on Monday.
Feliciano has been arrested nine times on charges dating back to the '80s, police said. Many of those records, however, are sealed.
