Man sentenced to 25 years for 2022 manslaughter in Ballston Spa

BALLSTON SPA, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The Saratoga County District Attorney's Office reported that Pharrin Greene was sentenced on Thursday to 25 years in state prison in a manslaughter case. Greene, 47, was convicted back in September.

Following a two-week jury trial, Greene was found guilty of breaking into the Ballston Spa apartment of his 67-year-old neighbor Bernard Rodgers in March 2022, where he hit Rodgers repeatedly with a baseball bat. Rodgers died from his injuries over five months after the attack.

At the sentencing, Bernard Rodgers' daughter Letika issued a statement highlighting that her father was a proud former Marine who "loved to give to others and was the best father that a child could ever have." She further recounted how Rodgers was "unrecognizable" after the attack, explaining that he couldn't walk, talk, eat, or use the bathroom on his own. "This wasn’t my dad…he was always active and independent. He touched so many people, because he just loved everyone."

"This verdict would not have been possible without the rapid response of the Ballston Spa Police Department and their joint investigation with the New York State Police," said Saratoga County District Attorney Karen Heggen. "Justice came today for the family and friends of Bernard Rodgers who have been waiting two-and-a-half years for this outcome."

Greene was convicted of all five charges in the initial indictment, including first-degree manslaughter, first-degree assault, two counts of first-degree burglary, and fourth-degree criminal mischief. In addition to the prison time, he was ordered to serve a five-year term of probation following his release.