Montreal man charged with manslaughter, released on bail after victim dies in suspected road rage case

The Quebec Superior Court is seen Wednesday, March 27, 2019 in Montreal. (Ryan Remiorz/The Canadian Press)

A Montreal man has been charged with manslaughter after a man died in a suspected case of road rage earlier this week.

Justin Philip Cockburn, 35, was originally charged with murder but appeared in court Friday to face the lesser charge.

According to a charge sheet, Cockburn allegedly caused the death of 67-year-old Antonio Zaccagna on Tuesday.

The Crown prosecution office confirmed to CTV News that the accused was released on bail with conditions.

Montreal police said they were called at around 11:15 a.m. to a collision near the corner of Gouin Boulevard East and Garon Avenue in Montreal North.

They said a driver hit a male pedestrian on Gouin Boulevard. A conflict ensued when a witness, who was allegedly involved in a road rage incident with the victim minutes prior, became involved, police spokesperson Manuel Couture said on on Tuesday.

“During the altercation, the driver became injured and was lying on the ground when the first officers arrived,” Couture said.

The victim was taken to hospital in critical condition, where he later died of his injuries.

Cockburn posted a $10,000 bail in order to be released before his next court appearance in June, Noovo Info reported.