QUEENS, N.Y. — Rahmel Tedder, 30, of Jamaica, Queens, was arraigned today on murder and other charges related to the fatal beating of 39-year-old Michael Tobon in July, according to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz.
Tedder faces a five-count indictment, including charges of second-degree murder, second-degree assault, two counts of tampering with physical evidence, and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon. If convicted, Tedder could receive a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison. He has been ordered to return to court on September 17.
District Attorney Katz described the incident as a brutal attack, stating, “The defendant allegedly attacked the victim while he lay defenseless on the ground and repeatedly hit the man in the head with a chair. Michael Tobon suffered a traumatic brain injury and died the following day from the injuries he sustained. Our thoughts are with the Tobon family as we prosecute this case.”
According to the charges, video surveillance captured the attack, which occurred on July 26 at approximately 4:15 a.m. near 90-25 175th Street. Tedder allegedly approached Tobon, who was already on the ground, and repeatedly struck him in the head with a chair. After the attack, Tedder reportedly covered Tobon’s body with a cloth and fled the scene. He attempted to conceal the chair used in the assault among garbage bags on 175th Street before returning to the area prior to the arrival of police.
Officers from the 103rd Precinct, responding to the scene, found Tobon unconscious and severely injured. He was transported to a local hospital where he underwent surgery for a traumatic brain injury and skull fracture but did not regain brain function. Tobon succumbed to his injuries the following day.
