Woman killed after being set ablaze on New York subway

A man has been taken into custody in New York City in connection with the tragic death of a woman who was set ablaze on a stationary subway train in Brooklyn. The attack, which Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch described as “one of the most depraved crimes imaginable,” occurred early Sunday morning at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station.

The victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, was aboard an F train at approximately 7:30 a.m. local time. This is when she was approached by a man who used a lighter to ignite her clothing. The flames engulfed her within seconds. Although police officers quickly extinguished the fire, the woman succumbed to her injuries at the scene.

Detectives are investigating the motive behind the subway attack, with no charges filed against the suspect yet. Initial findings indicate there was no prior interaction between the victim and the suspect, and police do not believe the two were acquainted. Authorities are also examining whether the woman was asleep at the time of the attack, though this detail remains unconfirmed. The investigation continues as officials work to piece together the circumstances surrounding the horrific incident and ensure justice for the victim.

Officers patrolling on an upper level of the station were alerted to the situation by the smell of smoke. When they investigated, they discovered the woman fully engulfed in flames inside the subway car.

The suspect initially remained at the scene, seated on a bench on the platform near the train. Unaware of his presence, responding officers focused on extinguishing the fire. Body-worn cameras worn by the officers captured detailed imagery of the suspect, which was disseminated by the NYPD to aid in his identification.

Later that day, three high school students on another subway train recognized the suspect from the distributed images and called 911. Police boarded the train at Herald Square station in Manhattan, near the Empire State Building, and apprehended the man. A lighter was found in his possession at the time of his arrest.

The suspect, who emigrated from Guatemala to the United States in 2018, has not been publicly identified. Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances leading up to the attack, including the suspect’s possible motive and mental state.

Commissioner Tisch commended the young individuals who reported the suspect, highlighting their swift and courageous action. Their quick response played a crucial role in identifying and apprehending the individual, demonstrating the importance of community vigilance in ensuring justice and public safety.

The horrific attack has left New York City residents stunned, sparking widespread outrage and grief over the senseless act of violence. The NYPD is dedicating all available resources to ensure justice for the victim while addressing growing concerns about safety on the city’s subway system. As investigations progress, New Yorkers are remaining vigilant, calling for enhanced measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future and restore a sense of security on public transit. The incident has intensified demands for stronger safety protocols and greater vigilance to protect commuters across the city’s extensive subway network.