Saratoga County District Attorney Karen A. Heggen reports that early Thursday, September 19, 2024, a Saratoga County Court trial jury convicted Pharrin M. Greene (DOB 08/09/1977), originally from California, of Manslaughter in the First Degree, in violation of New York Penal Law Section 125.20(1), a “Class B” violent felony; Assault in the First Degree, in violation of New York Penal Law Section 120.10(1), a “Class B” violent felony; Burglary in the First Degree, in violation of New York Penal Law Section 140.30(2), a “Class B” violent felony; Burglary in the First Degree, in violation of New York Penal Law Section 140.30(3), a “Class B” violent felony; and Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree, in violation of New York Penal Law Section 145.00(1), a “Class A” misdemeanor. These crimes stem from an incident on March 12, 2022, at 17 Milton Avenue in the Village of Ballston Spa, NY.
The trial commenced on September 9, 2024, and concluded today with the jury’s verdict. During the course of the two-week trial, evidence was presented regarding the actions and conduct of Defendant Pharrin M. Greene. Both Mr. Greene and his victim, Bernard Rodgers, resided in separate apartments at 17 Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa. The testimony and evidence proved that Defendant Greene, then forty-four years old, broke down the front door of his downstairs neighbor, sixty-seven-year-old Bernard Rodgers. Defendant Greene unlawfully entered victim Rodgers’ apartment. Once inside, Defendant Greene struck the victim multiple times with a baseball bat, causing severe serious injuries that ultimately caused Rodgers’ death over 5 months later.
Greene faces up to twenty-five (25) years in State Prison on the Manslaughter conviction; sentencing is scheduled for December 5, 2024.
District Attorney Heggen thanked all those involved and said, “This verdict would not have been possible without the rapid response of the Ballston Spa Police Department and their joint investigation with the New York State Police. Justice came today for the family and friends of Bernard Rodgers who have been waiting two-and-a-half years for this outcome.”
The case was prosecuted by First Assistant District Attorney Alan M. Poremba and Assistant District Attorney Alycia J. DeMilio together with District Attorney’s Office Investigator Mark Sauter.