Mount Vernon Man Indicted in Stabbing Death

MOUNT VERNON, NY — Donte S. Pace of 240 Franklin Avenue, Mount Vernon, New York was arraigned on an indictment Wednesday before Judge Anne Minihan in the death of James D. Puryear.

He is charged with one count of Manslaughter in the First Degree, a class “B” Violent Felony, and one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree, an “A”Misdemeanor

At 4:45 p.m. Oct. 18, 2016, Puryear was walking eastbound on Elm Street in Yonkers, Westchester County District Attorney Anthony A. Scarpino, Jr. said in announcing the indictment. Pace is accused of approaching and stabbing Puryear, who was unarmed, once in the chest in front of 179 Elm Street.

Puryear ran away across the street where he collapsed.

A good Samaritan called 911. Police and EMTs responded to the scene. Puryear was taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital where he was pronounced dead. An examination by the Westchester County Medical Examiner’s Office revealed that Puryear died from a stab wound which resulted in damage to the heart along with internal bleeding.

An intensive investigation by the Yonkers Police Department resulted in the 22-year-old's arrest 10 days later.

At the arraignment, Pace pleaded not guilty, the DA said. Bail was set at $250,000 cash or $500,000 bond. He faces up to 25 years in prison. His next court date is March 15.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Nicholas DiCostanzo of the Superior Court Trial Division.