A shocking and tragic incident occurred on a New York subway when a woman was set on fire by a man, leading to her death. The brutal attack, which took place early in the morning, has left many shocked and horrified. As the investigation unfolds, many are wondering about what happened.
Here are more details.
Suspect arrested after woman set on fire and killed in NY subway
A man has been taken into custody following the tragic death of a woman who was set on fire on a subway train in Brooklyn. Authorities have called the incident one of the most heinous acts of violence. It occurred early on a Sunday morning at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station. The woman was seated on a stationary F train when a man approached her and ignited her clothing with a lighter, causing the flames to quickly engulf her. Despite the quick response from officers who tried to put out the fire, the woman tragically passed away at the scene. (via CNN)
Surveillance footage and police body cameras were crucial in identifying the suspect. After setting the woman on fire, the assailant remained on the platform. He sat on a bench, where officers captured clear images of him. Later, three teenagers recognized him on another train, leading to his arrest at Herald Square station in Manhattan. The suspect, an immigrant from Guatemala, was apprehended with a lighter in his possession.
While police have not identified a clear motive, they do not think that the victim and the suspect had any prior relationship or connection. There was seemingly no previous exchange between the suspect and the victim before the attack occurred. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), New York City Mayor Eric Adams wrote, “Grateful to the young New Yorkers and transit officers who stepped up to help our NYPD make a quick arrest following this morning’s heinous and deadly subway attack…My prayers are with the family of the victim in this senseless killing.”
