Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Teenager Accused Of Tossing 9-Year-Old Boy Off Roof Now Says It Was An Accident
By
John Del Signore
Published Feb 4, 2013
Modified Feb 4, 2013
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
John Del Signore
Published Feb 4, 2013
Modified Feb 4, 2013
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
A lawyer for the 17-year-old boy accused of throwing his younger neighbor off of a Bronx rooftop says the incident was a "tragic accident." On Friday night Casmine Aska, 17, allegedly pushed Freddy Martin, 9, off of the five-story roof, for reasons that remain unclear. Martin is currently clinging to life at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia hospital, where he remains in a medically-induced coma with internal bleeding, a broken leg and broken arm. As Martin was taken away by EMTs, he said, "Cas dragged me to the roof and threw me off; I don’t know why."
According to the Bronx DA's office, Aska later told investigators, “I grabbed Freddy around the legs. His feet were off the ground. I turned around. I slipped and Freddy fell." One of Martin's sneakers was found in a hallway and another on the roof, along with his broken eyeglasses. A source tells the Post, "It was a sign of a struggle. [Aska] gave various statements and they didn’t add up." Aska also told investigators he and his younger brother were "play-fighting" with Martin before he fell.
At his arraignment yesterday, Aska's attorney, Katherine Dyer, called the case a “tragic accident. That will be clear as time goes on. This is not about an attempted murder." But Judge Gerald Lebovits ordered Aska held without bail, deciding that the teen presents an "extraordinary flight risk." Aska, who is currently on probation for another unspecified offense, is charged with attempted murder, assault, reckless endangerment and endangering the welfare of a child.
Tagged
casmine aska
freddy martin
the bronx
John Del Signore
Originally from the Albany area, John Del Signore has called NYC home since 1995. In addition to his thousands of meticulously-crafted bespoke blog posts for Gothamist, his writing has also been published in The Awl, Deadspin, The Nervous Breakdown, and performed at The Brick Theater in Brooklyn.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Parents grumble as NYC schools chancellor dodges calls for NYC schools integration plan
Journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones said she felt disappointed by the lack of details.
By
Jessica Gould
Published Oct 20, 2026 at 10:01 p.m. ET
Driver found with apparent gunshot wound on George Washington Bridge, officials say
The westbound upper level was closed Tuesday night as Port Authority police investigated the incident.
By
Charles Lane
News
Driver found with apparent gunshot wound on George Washington Bridge, officials say
The westbound upper level was closed Tuesday night as Port Authority police investigated the incident.
By
Charles Lane
16 arrested in New York auto insurance fraud crackdown involving nearly $500K
By
Giulia Heyward
Coney Island's small, 1890s lighthouse may be landmarked by the city
By
Catalina Gonella
New renderings are out for Queens' Metropolitan Park casino
By
Willow Higgins
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .