What Happened?
A woman was set on fire and killed on a stationary F train at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station in Brooklyn on Sunday morning. Authorities described the act as one of the most shocking and depraved crimes seen in the city.
Details of The Attack
The victim was reportedly motionless, possibly asleep, when the suspect approached her and ignited her clothing using a lighter.
Her clothing became engulfed in flames within seconds.
Despite the efforts of officers to extinguish the fire, the woman died at the scene.
Police said there was no prior interaction between the suspect and the victim, and they do not believe they knew each other.
How Police Responded?
Officers on patrol in the station noticed smoke and rushed to the scene.
The suspect initially stayed nearby, sitting on a bench on the platform outside the train car, unnoticed by officers at the time.
Body camera footage provided "very clear, detailed" images of the suspect, which were quickly distributed by the NYPD.
Suspect’s Arrest
The suspect was later recognized by three teenagers on another subway train, who called 911.
Police located and arrested the man at Herald Square station in Manhattan.
He was found with a lighter in his pocket at the time of his arrest.
Who Is The Suspect?
The man, whose name has not been released, emigrated from Guatemala to the U.S. in 2018.
No charges have been filed yet, and the motive for the attack remains unclear.
Officials and Public Response
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch praised the teenagers who reported the suspect, saying, "They saw something, they said something, and they did something."
The case has left many in the city disturbed by the randomness and brutality of the act.
What’s Next?
Police are continuing to investigate the incident, including the suspect’s motive and the victim's identity. Further updates are expected as the case develops.
Comments