Former FDNY Captain James Rogers allegedly beat man to death over unpaid debt after AA meeting

Tragic Confrontation in Bay Shore

On a fateful Thursday evening in Bay Shore, a sense of community and recovery at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting turned tragically violent. The meeting, held at the United Methodist Church, ended around 9 p.m., setting the stage for an argument over an unpaid debt that escalated into a fatal confrontation. James Rogers, a 66-year-old retired New York City firefighter, and Mark Iacono, 65, found themselves at odds, their dispute culminating in a heartbreaking act of violence that claimed Iacono’s life. The incident has left the community in shock, grappling with the loss of a life and the unraveling of a man once hailed as a hero.

The Individuals Involved

James Rogers, a retired FDNY captain with 22 years of service, was a respected figure in his community. Beyond his firefighting career, he operated two assisted living facilities, embodying a life of service and care. In contrast, Mark Iacono, a regular at the AA meetings, was seeking recovery, his presence a testament to his own struggles and journey towards redemption. Both men, with their own stories and challenges, were connected in this tragic event, their lives intersecting in a manner no one could have anticipated.

The Events Leading to the Tragedy

The altercation began innocuously enough in the church parking lot, a space meant for solace and support. The argument over an unpaid debt quickly intensified, emotions raw and tensions high. Rogers, in a burst of anger, grabbed Iacono, slamming him to the ground. Iacono landed face down, and in the moments that followed, Rogers allegedly smashed his face into the ground repeatedly, the violence unrelenting. Despite a witness’s intervention, pulling Rogers off Iacono, the attack continued with kicks, each moment aestinal and brutal.

The Aftermath of the Attack

The immediate consequences were devastating. Iacono, critically injured, was rushed to South Shore University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The brevity of the time between the attack and his passing underscores the severity of the violence. Rogers, meanwhile, was charged with first-degree manslaughter, his arraignment at the First District Court marking the beginning of his legal journey. His plea of not guilty sets the stage for a court battle, with his next appearance scheduled for March 11.

The Legal and Emotional Fallout

While Rogers’ lawyer, Robert A. Macedonio, describes the incident as a dispute over a business matter, the circumstances remain murky. Questions linger about who provoked the argument and the nature of their financial dealings. The emotional toll on the community is palpable, a sense of disbelief pervading the air as neighbors and acquaintances struggle to reconcile the man they knew with the alleged actions. The tragedy leaves unanswered questions about culpability and the breakdown of a business relationship.

A Community in Shock

The incident has sent shockwaves through Bay Shore, a community now mourning the loss of a life and grappling with the complexities of human nature. As the legal process unfolds, the community seeks understanding and healing, their collective consciousness wrestling with the duality of Rogers’ past heroism and the tragic event. The story serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the unpredictable nature of human conflict, leaving an indelible mark on all touched by this tragedy.