A retired NYC firefighter has been charged in the beating death of a Long Island man following an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, where an argument over an unpaid debt escalated into a violent altercation. James Rogers, 66, allegedly killed Mark Iacono, 65, with his bare hands Thursday evening after the AA meeting in Bay Shore, as reported by Newsday.
Rogers, a retired FDNY captain who resides in Babylon, served 22 years with the FDNY and currently runs two assisted living facilities. He was seen being led to a court hearing on Friday, where he has denied beating Iacono to death. The incident took place in the parking lot of the United Methodist Church just before 9 p.m. following the AA meeting.
According to Long Island investigators, the argument between Rogers and Iacono started over money, and quickly turned physical. Rogers allegedly flung Iacono to the ground, grabbed his head, and repeatedly smashed his face into the ground. Despite a witness trying to intervene, Rogers continued to kick Iacono, who was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at South Shore University Hospital.
Rogers has been charged with first-degree manslaughter and pleaded not guilty during his arraignment at First District Court in Central Islip. He is set to return to court on March 11. It remains unclear who initiated the fight or who owed money to whom. Rogers’ lawyer, Robert A. Macedonio, mentioned that the altercation stemmed from a prior business relationship and was related to a business dispute.
As of now, Rogers has not provided any further comments on the incident. The tragic incident has shocked the community and raised questions about the circumstances leading to the fatal altercation. The investigation is ongoing, and more details may emerge as the case progresses.
