Woman Killed in Horrific Subway Arson Attack; Second Subway Fatality in One Day
A woman was brutally murdered on a New York City subway train Sunday morning in a shocking act of arson, marking the second fatal incident on the city’s transit system within a single day, CNN reports.
Authorities are calling the attack a “brutal murder” and an example of “depraved behavior.”
The incident occurred around 7:30 a.m. on an F train bound for Stillwell Avenue in Brooklyn. According to police, the suspect approached the woman, who was reportedly motionless, and without speaking, used a lighter to set her clothes on fire. The victim was engulfed in flames within seconds.
Surveillance video captured the horrific scene, showing the suspect then calmly sitting on a station bench, watching as the victim burned while officers responded to the scene.
The suspect, identified only as an immigrant from Guatemala, was apprehended some eight hours later at the 34th Street–Herald Square station in midtown Manhattan. Police stated that the victim and the suspect did not appear to know each other. The victim has not been identified. The suspect was found with a lighter in his possession.
The arrest was facilitated by the release of body camera images to the public. Three quick-thinking high school-age New Yorkers recognized the suspect and contacted authorities. Crime Stoppers had offered a reward of up to $10,000 for information in the case.
This tragic event follows an earlier fatal incident on the same day. At around 12:35 a.m., a stabbing on a southbound 7 train at the 61 St-Woodside station in Queens resulted in one death and another person injured. A 26-year-old man has been arrested in connection with that incident.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s chief security officer, Michael Kemper, said the arson was captured by one of the new security cameras being installed on trains. The incident comes after Governor Kathy Hochul announced plans to bolster subway safety ahead of the holidays, deploying an additional 250 National Guard members and ensuring every subway car is equipped with security cameras.
The 34th Street–Herald Square station where the suspect was arrested is located near the Macy’s department store, featured in the 1947 film “Miracle on 34th Street.” No other passengers or first responders were injured in the attacks.
Despite these tragedies, Governor Hochul’s office maintains that overall subway crime is down. They cite a 10% decrease in crime since a subway safety plan was implemented in May, and a 42% reduction since January 2021. However, high-profile violent incidents like these have left many residents uneasy.
Adding to the complex situation, the city was under a “Code Blue” alert Saturday night due to freezing temperatures. This prompted the deployment of additional resources and shelter to help those vulnerable to the cold, including homeless individuals who sometimes seek refuge in the subway.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams praised the citizens who helped identify the suspect, and reiterated a commitment to ensuring justice for victims of violent crime.
