NEW YORK — A 45-year-old man has been sentenced to 15 years in state prison for a brutal attack on a 91-year-old cancer patient during an attempted robbery on the Upper East Side. The assault left the victim, Hyman Silverglad, grappling with severe physical injuries and emotional trauma, leading him to express that he sometimes thinks death would be preferable to living with his pain.
Christian Torres was sentenced after a jury found him guilty of first-degree assault and attempted robbery for the violent incident that occurred on Feb. 1, 2024. According to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, Torres violently shoved Silverglad to the ground and began to beat him when the elderly man resisted his attempt to steal his wallet.
At the time of the attack, Silverglad was returning home from shopping and suffered multiple serious injuries, including six bone fractures, broken ribs, and a liver hematoma. This has severely limited his mobility; he wrote in a court statement that he now rarely leaves his home and feels fearful of being targeted again.
The attack took place at approximately 10:25 p.m. on East 86th Street and First Avenue. Following the assault, Torres fled the scene empty-handed while Silverglad called for assistance. Torres was apprehended more than a week later, with police noting his history of prior arrests and convictions for various offenses.
In a letter to the court, Silverglad described the aftermath of the incident, saying, “Since my assault, I have been unable to walk any appreciable distance. I am bedridden. The fear following the attack has made me reliant on others for even basic outings.” His remarks illustrate the profound effect the crime has had on his quality of life.
Torres has a lengthy criminal record, having previously served time in prison for robbery and arson. He had been on supervised release when he committed this latest offense, which further emphasizes the need for community safety measures. District Attorney Alvin Bragg emphasized the seriousness of the crime, stating, “A 91-year-old man was simply walking home when he was attacked. This sort of violence against vulnerable members of our community will not be tolerated.”
Following the verdict, officials noted that they are committed to holding accountable those who threaten the safety of older residents in New York. The case highlights ongoing concerns surrounding the safety of elderly populations and the broader implications of repeat offenders within the criminal justice system.
As Silverglad continues to navigate the challenges presented by his injuries, he hopes that this sentence will provide some sense of closure as he heals. The brutal nature of the attack has sparked conversations about the necessity for stronger protections for the elderly in urban environments.