Beating the rap

‘Dad slay-try’ nix

A Columbia University graduate dodged a potential life sentence Thursday when a jury acquitted him of attempted murder for allegedly torturing his father with a metal wrench for nearly four hours in a battle over his late mom’s $2 million fortune.

It took the jury less than a day to find Jason Heyworth, 37, not guilty of eight of the nine counts against him for the alleged June 9, 2017, attack on Eric Heyworth, 71. Jason wept and hugged defense lawyer Todd Spodek upon hearing the verdict.

Jason (above left, in court Thursday) was convicted of second-degree assault for bludgeoning his dad and faces two to seven years in prison when he’s sentenced on Sept. 9.

“There wasn’t enough evidence,” said one juror, who declined to reveal his name.

After a neighbor heard agonizing cries for help and called the cops four times, police arrived at the Harlem apartment and Jason opened the door. “He was attacking me so I hit him with a wrench,” Jason blurted. “He owes me money. This is all over my mother’s will.”

Cops found the elder Heyworth, a retired city teacher who graduated from Harvard, on the floor, half nude, blood streaming from his mouth and ear and barely coherent.

Police said Eric Heyworth was in such bad shape (above right), they didn’t think he would survive and asked him who had attacked him. He muttered, “Jason.”

A second juror said authorities “didn’t prove anything.” He added, “Everybody has a fallout with their parents. Everybody fights. They got into a fight.”

Prosecutor Sarah Marquez said the elder Heyworth was beaten so severely, he spent weeks in the hospital and suffered permanent brain damage. He couldn’t remember the vicious assault and did not testify.

Spodek said after the verdict, “My heart goes out to the Heyworth family and I hope they can all come together after this tragedy.”