A court hearing is set for Friday for the man charged with two counts of murder and one count of arson in connection with a tragic incident on a New York City subway train. The accused, a 33-year-old man, allegedly set a woman on fire on a train in Brooklyn, causing her death. The victim, who has not been publicly identified by police, was reportedly burned to death in what appears to be a random attack.
The suspect, identified as a Guatemalan citizen who entered the U.S. illegally, is currently being held at Rikers Island complex. Authorities allege that the man approached the woman, who may have been sleeping on the train, and ignited her clothing with a lighter. He then used a shirt to fan the flames, leading to the woman being engulfed in fire. Prosecutors claim that the suspect sat on a bench on the platform and watched as the victim burned, ultimately resulting in her death at the scene.
The accused was taken into custody by police while riding a train on the same line later that day. During questioning, the suspect reportedly stated that he was heavily intoxicated and unaware of the events that transpired. However, he did acknowledge his presence in photos and surveillance footage showing the fire being ignited.
Information released by federal immigration officials indicates that the suspect was deported in 2018 but reentered the U.S. illegally at a later time. The address provided by police after the arrest matches a shelter offering housing and substance abuse support in Brooklyn.
The court appearance earlier in the week did not require the suspect to enter a plea, and his attorney has not commented on the case. The tragic incident has shocked the community and raised concerns about safety on public transportation in the city.
