Man Arrested for Setting Sleeping Woman Ablaze on New York Subway
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New York, Dec 23 (NationPress) A man has been taken into custody for setting a sleeping woman on fire within a subway train, which ultimately led to her death. Reports indicate that the man remained at the scene throughout the incident.
The shocking event transpired on Sunday morning around 7:30 a.m. as the train was nearing the Stillwell Avenue station in Brooklyn.
In a press briefing, New York Police Department Commissioner Jessica Tisch described the crime as "one of the most depraved acts one individual can commit against another," emphasizing that it resulted in the death of an "innocent New Yorker."
As the train approached the station, the suspect reportedly walked over to the victim, who was positioned at the end of a subway car. Using what is believed to be a lighter, the suspect ignited her clothing, which quickly became engulfed in flames.
Patrolling officers on the station's upper level noticed smoke and went to investigate. They found the woman inside the train car, completely engulfed in flames.
With the help of an MTA employee and a fire extinguisher, the flames were extinguished, but tragically, it was too late, and the victim was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Tisch.
The suspect, who did not flee the scene, was discovered sitting on a platform bench just outside the train car. Body-worn cameras from the responding officers captured detailed footage of him.
After the NYPD released images of the suspect, three high school students contacted 911 to identify him, Tisch noted.
The man was subsequently arrested on another train, where he was found in possession of a lighter.
The accused, a migrant from Guatemala, entered the United States through Arizona. His immigration status is currently under review.
The identity of the victim has yet to be disclosed.
The incident has generated significant outrage. Tech billionaire Elon Musk commented on X, stating, "Enough is enough."
New York City Mayor Eric Adams commended those who reported the crime, asserting, "This type of depraved behavior has no place in our subways, and we are dedicated to ensuring swift justice for all victims of violent crime."
"My prayers are with the family of the victim in this senseless killing," Adams added in his post on X.
