By Nathan Duke
A 22-year-old Richmond Hill man was charged with second-degree murder last weekend after he allegedly strangled a man during a dispute over rent money at a South Ozone Park apartment, Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said.
Rami Hawana, of 104-56 93rd Ave. in Richmond Hill, was charged over the weekend before Queens Criminal Court Judge Joseph Gross and will return to court Aug. 21, a DA spokesman said. If convicted, he could face 25 years to life in prison, he said.
Rae Chisolm, 39, the victim, had been involved in a verbal dispute over rent money that escalated into a fight at the apartment, located at 117-15 124th St. in South Ozone Park, the DA said. Hawana, a friend of one of the roommates, put the victim into a chokehold to separate him from one of the roommates, strangling him, the DA said.
Reach reporter Nathan Duke by e-mail at nduke@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 156.
