A former New York City firefighter has been accused of causing the death of a Long Island man in a violent altercation that unfolded after an Alcoholics Anonymous gathering. James Rogers, aged 66, is alleged to have used his hands to fatally injure 65-year-old Mark Iacono following a dispute over an unpaid debt. The tragic incident occurred on Thursday evening in Bay Shore, according to a report by Newsday.
Rogers, a retired FDNY captain residing in Babylon, had a 22-year career with the FDNY before transitioning into operating two assisted living facilities, as detailed by Newsday. He was seen being escorted to a court appearance on Friday, as shown by News 12. Despite the charges against him, Rogers has reportedly denied causing Iacono’s death, as reported by News 12.
Based on investigations by authorities on Long Island, the confrontation between the two men escalated in the parking lot of the United Methodist Church shortly before 9 p.m., immediately after the AA meeting concluded. Allegedly, Rogers forcefully flung Iacono to the ground before repeatedly slamming his face into the pavement, as described by News 12 Long Island. Even after a witness intervened and pulled Rogers away, he continued to assault Iacono, including kicking him.
Tragically, Iacono succumbed to his injuries shortly after being rushed to South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore, with his death confirmed less than 10 minutes after arrival, according to News 12. Rogers has been formally charged with first-degree manslaughter and entered a plea of not guilty during his arraignment at First District Court in Central Islip. He is set to appear in court again on March 11.
The circumstances leading to the fatal altercation, including the initiator of the conflict and the nature of the financial dispute, remain unclear from available reports. Rogers’ legal representative, attorney Robert A. Macedonio of Islip Terrace, told Newsday that his client and Iacono had a previous business association, characterizing the incident as a disagreement related to business matters. Despite media attempts to reach out to him, Rogers was unavailable for comment as of Saturday.
