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Gyro Stabbing Suspect Claims His Life Was On The Line
By
Ben Muessig
Published Dec 12, 2009
Modified Dec 12, 2009
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By
Ben Muessig
Published Dec 12, 2009
Modified Dec 12, 2009
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The man suspected of stabbing and killing a college student who cut in line at a Midtown food cart told cops that the victim's brother put a knife to his neck moments before the fatal altercation. Ziad Tayeh, 26, is on trial for manslaughter after a 2006 dispute with 19-year-old victim Tyrone Noel Gibbons, his brother Shannon Gibbons, and a friend at the Halal Chicken and Gyro stand at 53rd Street and Sixth Avenue. After the three men cut in line, they exchanged words with Tayeh: "I was hungry," he told police during a videotaped confession screened for jurors. "They called me a punk!"
The Gibbons brothers and their friend drove off and Tayeh gave chase, stopping at the corner of Seventh Avenue and 52nd Street, where according to the suspect, Shannon Gibbons put a knife to his throat. That's when Tayeh pulled out his own knife — a punch knife with a four inch blade, according to the Post — and struck the victim. "I was scared," said Tayeh, who has claimed self-defense. "It was quick!" Later, he added: "I seen the blood on my hand … I didn't think I hurt him."
Prosecutors acknowledge the victim and his pals were wrong to cut in front of about 15 customers who had been waiting in line in the rain — but they didn't break the law. "They sneak up on the line to try to get their food a little faster," Assistant District Attorney Randolph Clarke told jurors. "Is that polite? No. But is it criminal? No."
Tagged
falafel
gyro
halal
manslaughter
punch knife
shannon gibbons
stabbing
street cart
street food
tyrone noel gibbons
Ziad Tayeh
Ben Muessig
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