Roomie-slay suspect free

A 70-year-old man accused of fatally knifing his roommate during a brawl at their senior residence was released without bail Thursday after asserting self-defense.

Michael Pinder was granted supervised release at his Manhattan Criminal Court arraignment on charges of first-degree manslaughter in the death of Joseph Pescitelli, 71, at the Dorothy Ross Friedman Residence in Hell’s Kitchen Tuesday night.

Prosecutors called for the release as they investigate Pinder’s contention that he was defending himself against Pescitelli after his roommate came at him with the knife first, the Manhattan DA’s Office said.

Pinder — who has several arrests dating back years — allegedly told cops he’d “struggled” with Pescitelli in the apartment. Police found the victim in a bathtub “covered in blood.”