Charges Upgraded To Murder In Hudson Valley 'Gator' Stabbing Case

Charges against one of two residents in the region charged in the stabbing of a man in a fight over tools have been upgraded to murder after the victim died days later in a case involving. the presence of an alligator.

The incident happened in Pawling in eastern Dutchess County (outlined in red). The alligator shown in the image is not the one involved in the incident.
Photo Credit: *Google Maps/Wikipedia via Norbert Nagel*

Kathy Reakes

04/14/2024 6:00 a.m.

Related: Live Alligator Discovered At Scene Of Stabbing In Pawling Residence

Dutchess County resident Giuseppe Vassallo, age 43, of Pawling, who was initially charged with attempted murder in the stabbing of Nathaniel Vieira, age 42, also of Pawling, on Saturday, March 2, saw his charges increased to murder on Thursday, April 11, said Sinead McLoughlin of the Dutchess County District Attorney's Office.

During the violent encounter, Vassallo and another man, John Sorell, age 27, also from Pawling, attacked Vieira and others. During the fight, shots were fired.

The gunfire injured no one, but Vieira was stabbed multiple times in the upper and lower torso, state police said.

State police said Vieira was transported to Danbury Hospital, where he died several days later.

During a home search, troopers also recovered a live gator in the basement, state police said.

Vassallo was remanded to the Dutchess County Jail without bail. The second attacker, Sorell, has not seen his charges upgraded.

This continues to be a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.

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