Accused ‘duck sauce’ killer bailed for US$500,000
A judge in New York City has granted US$500,000 bail for accused “duck sauce” killer Glenn Hirsch as he awaits trial on charges he fatally shot a Chinese food delivery man over a bizarre months-long beef over insufficient condiment packets.
Hirsch, 51, had faced a long stint awaiting trial on Rikers Island – until he posted the hefty bail. Queens Criminal Court Judge Kenneth Holder granted Hirsch’s release into home confinement following a hearing in Queens Supreme Court.
Hirsch’s brother posted the bail with a certified cheque, but the US$500,000 came from Hirsch himself, his lawyer Michael Horn said. Holder ordered that Hirsch be fitted with an electronic bracelet. He has to stay in his home 24 hours a day, except for visits to his lawyer, doctor, court and one hour per day of exercise.
“Apparently there are enough people around who just hate you that I’m sure they’re going to take a picture of you if they see you in an area where you should not be and send it to the court,” the judge said, warning Hirsch to comply with the strict terms of his release.
Authorities said Hirsch became enraged on November 30 that he did not receive enough duck sauce with his take-home order from the Great Wall Restaurant in Forest Hills.
His frustration allegedly exploded on April 30 when he shot and killed Zhiwen Yan, 45, a wellliked delivery man for the restaurant. Hirsch, who was arrested on June 2, has pleaded not guilty.
Police said Hirsch had been stalking Yan and other staff at the restaurant for weeks before the shooting. Prosecutors described his demand for duck sauce as an “obsessive point of contention”.
Hirsch drove around the block where the restaurant is located several times on the night of the murder. When Yan left the restaurant on his scooter to make a delivery, Hirsch allegedly followed and then shot him in the street.
In a bizarre twist, police searching Hirsch’s flat found that his refrigerator was full of duck sauce packets, a source said.
The judge ordered Hirsch to stay away from the Great Wall Restaurant, the eatery’s delivery zone and “the entire area encompassing the crime scene”.
Hirsch is barred from leaving the city and going within a mile of airports and train stations. He also cannot buy any guns.
Prosecutor Karen Ross said Hirsch had agreed to DNA testing after two of the eight guns found in the home of Hirsch’s ex-wife had genetic material on them.