Police: Man, 60, dies after $1 mugging on Christmas Eve

NEW YORK — A 60year-old man who was kicked and punched while defending his partner during a $1 mugging on Christmas Eve has died, the New York Police Department said Saturday.

Juan Fresnada died Friday at the Bronx hospital where he was taken in critical condition after the mugging early Tuesday, police said. Officers have released surveillance photos and videos in hopes of pinpointing suspects.

His partner, Byron Caceres, told the Daily News of New York that Fresnada suffered the fatal blows while trying to spare him and urging him to run to safety, which he did.

Police said the two men were walking in the Morrisania neighborhood of the Bronx around 1:30 a.m. when several muggers approached them and demanded their property. When they refused, they were attacked.