Man whose pacemaker was cut out dies

A Manchester man whose son is accused of cutting the man's pacemaker from his chest with a pocketknife has died.

Charles A. Fierstine Jr. died Monday at University Hospitals in Iowa City.

Jesse Fierstine, also of Manchester, is scheduled to go on trial in Delaware County District Court on Aug. 4 on attempted murder charges. Mental health evaluations have delayed the case. In February a judge ruled Fierstine competent to stand trial.

Jesse Fierstine is accused of attacking his father on April 25, 2009. Authorities say Fierstine also struck his then 63-year-old father on the head with a flashlight and firewood. He pleaded not guilty to both charges.

Authorities have not indicated a possible motive, but relatives have said the 33-year-old Fierstine suffers from mental illness.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

• Sept 17, 2009 --

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

• Sept 17, 2009 -- Another mental evaluation set for man accused of cutting out father's pacemaker