A fight over a parking space took place in a residential area in New York City, resulting in a man’s death.
Christopher Hightower, a 58-year-old man from Jamaica, Queens, lost his life last year during a heated dispute with a neighbor regarding a parking spot. Recently, the NYC medical examiner classified his death as a homicide.
Hightower had faced and conquered multiple challenges throughout his life, but this final confrontation proved to be one obstacle he could not overcome. In May of last year, he was assaulted by his neighbor, resulting in severe injuries that caused his death the following day, according to the police.
The medical examiner determined that Hightower’s death was a homicide due to the blunt force trauma inflicted on his head and body. Hightower was heavily intoxicated at the time of the incident and suffered from a head injury and a lacerated spleen. Police reported that his neighbor, known for having a volatile temperament, attacked him brutally over the parking disagreement.
Monique Hightower, Christopher’s ex-wife, expressed disbelief that a street fight led to his demise, noting that he had always managed to bounce back with divine assistance. She described him as a responsible person who ensured that bills were paid and his children were taken care of. Monique said that Hightower had become a religious man, a testament to his personal growth. Despite their separation, she insisted that her love for him never faded.
Authorities have identified a suspect, but no arrests have been made so far. The neighbor who assaulted Hightower claimed he was defending his family.
He said the victim showed up near his property drunk and he claimed “self-defense.“ He told reporters. “I’m not worried about the situation at all. I did nothing wrong. I’m sorry for his family and his ex-wife. I wish them the best.”
Hightower’s aunt, who witnessed the end of the argument, challenged the neighbor’s account of the event, accusing him of lying.
Hightower, a father of six children, previously worked for Amazon and UPS. His ex-wife said that they had married and divorced twice due to his struggles with substance abuse and alcoholism.
