BROOKLYN, NY – A woman was killed on a New York subway train early Sunday morning after a man set her clothes on fire in what authorities have described as a brutal and depraved attack. The incident occurred around 7:30 a.m. on a Brooklyn-bound F train. The assailant approached the victim, ignited her clothing, and flames engulfed her in seconds. Surveillance footage captured the suspect calmly observing as the victim burned.
The suspect, an immigrant from Guatemala, was apprehended approximately eight hours later at the 34th Street-Herald Square station in Manhattan. Police used body camera footage and surveillance images to identify and locate him. He was carrying a lighter when taken into custody, and charges are pending. Officials believe the suspect and the victim did not know each other. The victim has not yet been identified.
The attack, recorded by subway security cameras, highlights the role of technology in aiding law enforcement. High school students who recognized the suspect from police-released images tipped off authorities, leading to his capture. No other passengers or first responders were injured.
This incident marked the second fatal attack on the subway system that day. Earlier, a stabbing on a southbound 7 train in Queens left one person dead and another injured. In that case, a 26-year-old suspect was arrested.
The subway murder comes amid efforts to enhance public safety in New York City’s transit system. Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced an increase in National Guard deployments and plans to equip every subway car with security cameras. Officials report a 10% decrease in subway crime since May and a 42% drop since January 2021. However, high-profile violent incidents continue to raise concerns among residents.
At the time of the incident, the city was under a “Code Blue” alert due to freezing temperatures, with additional resources allocated to shelter vulnerable individuals, including those seeking refuge in the subway system. Investigations into both subway deaths are ongoing.
