Saratoga County District Attorney Karen A. Heggen reports that Pharrin M. Greene (DOB 08/09/1977) was sentenced today in Saratoga County Court by the Honorable Tatiana N. Coffinger to the maximum term of 25 years in a state correctional facility, to be followed by 5 years of post-release supervision following a jury verdict on September 19, 2024.
The Saratoga County Court trial jury found Greene guilty of all five counts of the indictment including 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. Although Greene received the same sentence for the four felony offenses of 25 years of incarceration to be followed by 5 years of post-release supervision, the sentences of all the offenses in this case by law must run concurrently.
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 serious physical injuries that ultimately caused Rodgers’ death over 5 months later.
At sentencing, several family members of the victim, Bernard Rodgers, provided victim impact statements. Letika Rodgers, daughter of Rodgers, highlighted that her Dad was a proud Marine who loved to “give to others…[and]…was the best father that a child could ever have.” She recounted how unrecognizable Rodgers was after the attack and that he could not walk, talk, eat, or use the restroom on his own. “This wasn’t my dad…he was always active and independent,” and he “touched so many people because he just loved everyone.”
Ruby Rodgers, widow of Rodgers and mother of Letika, expressed her loss and bewilderment– asking Greene, “Why would you do that?… [Why would you] kill my husband [who] was such a good man…and take him away from his family?”
Navree Woods-Turner, niece of Rodgers, recalled how her uncle was there emotionally and financially for her when her house burned down. She recalled receiving the dreadful call from her cousin, Letika, about the attack on Rodgers, and all the agony their family had gone through since.
Ameka Bethea, stepdaughter of Rodgers, wrote that Bernard always treated her as if she were a biological daughter and was so kind to her and to so many others during his lifetime. Ameka credited Rodgers for inspiring her to go to college and added, “…his memory will live on-…our Hero…our US Marine Corp Veteran.”
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.
Pictured below: Bernard Rodgers, victim. Photo provided by the Rodgers family when he was a member of the U.S. Marine Corps.
