EXCLUSIVE: Thug who beat a Sikh man, 66, to death in a road rage incident in New York is seen in court facing hate crime and manslaughter charges

A thug who allegedly beat a Sikh man to death in a road rage incident in New York City is facing a slew of new hate crime charges.

Gilbert Augustin got into an argument with Jasmer Singh, who was driving his wife home from a doctor’s appointment in Kew Gardens, Queens, which led to an argument between the two.

A court filing revealed that when Augustin Singh returned to his Toyota, he allegedly punched him three times in the head and face, causing Singh to fall to the ground and suffer a brain injury.

At the time of his arrest, Augustin was initially charged with manslaughter, assault and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle – but his charges have now been expanded to include hate crimes.

The new charges include “first-degree manslaughter as a hate crime, first-degree manslaughter, second-degree assault as a hate crime and second-degree assault.”

Gilbert Augustin, 30, was seen in court for the first time today over the alleged murder of 66-year-old Jasmer Singh in a road rage incident

Singh was driving his wife home from a doctor’s appointment in Kew Gardens, Queens, when he got into a fender-bender with Augustin

Augustin is being held at Rikers Island Jail and was seen in court for the first time today

At his arraignment today, Augustin was charged in a 20-count indictment. The new charges include “first-degree manslaughter as a hate crime, first-degree manslaughter, second-degree assault as a hate crime and second-degree assault.”

He is being held at Rikers Island Jail and was seen in court for the first time today.

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said: “This is a fender-bender case that immediately escalates to hateful language and then to brutal, deadly violence.”

“We will show in court that it was anger fueled by hatred that led to this senseless tragedy.”

“The defendant faces some very serious charges.” “I would like to thank my office and the NYPD for their thorough investigation of this crime.”

At his arraignment today, Augustin was charged in a 20-count indictment.

Witnesses said they heard Augustin repeatedly refer to Singh as a “turban man.”

According to officers, the 30-year-old allegedly reached into Singh’s Toyota after the accident and snatched his cell phone out of his hand.

Witnesses said they heard a male voice say “No police” before the altercation began. They also heard Augustin repeatedly refer to Singh as a “turban man.”

Singh soon followed Augustin’s Ford Mustang before arguing with him and getting his phone back.

When Singh returned to his car, Augustin allegedly gave him three severe blows to the head and face. Singh reportedly fell to the ground and suffered a fatal brain injury.

Augustin is said to have fled the scene after the fatal attack, while Singh was taken to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where he died the next day.

His son has been identified, Mr. Multani said WCBS that his father suffered a fractured skull and two missing front teeth as a result of the attack.

A court filing revealed that as he returned to his Toyota, Augustin allegedly punched him three times in the head and face, causing Singh to fall to the ground and suffer a brain injury

His son, identified as Mr Multani, said his father suffered a fractured skull and two missing front teeth as a result of the attack. Sing was pronounced dead the next day of the attack

“The guy approached my father with his costumes and turbans. There was no reason for anyone to act with such intensity. “My father was targeted and it may be a hate crime,” Multani said.

He further said that Singh’s wife was traumatized and left a “terrible impression” after her husband’s life was taken.

Singh and his wife were preparing for an upcoming trip to India, where he was from.

Multani described his late father as an educated, “very noble person, a simple person.”

“The guy approached my father with his costumes and turbans. There was no reason for anyone to act with such intensity. “My father was targeted and it may be a hate crime,” Multani said

New York City Mayor Eric Adams expressed his condolences in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

“Jasmer Singh loved his city and deserved so much more than his tragic death.” “On behalf of all New Yorkers, I want our Sikh community to know that you have more than just our condolences.”

“You have our sacred vow that we will reject the hatred that took this innocent life and protect you,” Adams said in his post.

Shortly before he released that, the New York mayor also said, “Our team will be meeting with Sikh leaders this week to discuss the needs of this critical community during this challenging time.”

Multani told the channel: “Please think about the safety of the Sikh community so that no one would lose their father, brother or son like I did.”

Several memorial services were held for Singh, including traditional Sikh funeral services.