Manhattan DA dismisses assault charge against model after video supports self-defense claim
The Manhattan District Attorney dropped the assault case against 22-year-old model Nassadir Tate, citing surveillance footage that showed he punched Eweka Johnson in self-defense, though Johnson later died from a ruptured cerebral artery aneurysm.
Manhattan prosecutors announced Thursday that they are dropping the assault charge against Nassadir Tate, a 22-year-old part-time model from New Jersey, after reviewing surveillance video from the Penn Station uptown E-train platform. The footage captured Johnson bumping into Tate and then assuming a fighting stance, prompting Tate to deliver a single punch to Johnson's face. Tate immediately called 911, and two minutes later Johnson fell to the ground, later succumbing to a ruptured cerebral artery aneurysm.
At a hearing, the District Attorney's Office stated the evidence supported Tate's claim of self-defense, noting he feared for his physical safety. Tate had previously been arrested and charged with assault, and he acknowledged the strike was made out of fear. His attorney, Wayne Gosnell, did not provide comment, while a family member described Tate as a good, non-violent individual.
Why it matters
The case illustrates how video evidence can overturn criminal charges and shape self-defense rulings.
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