Person in custody after woman found in flames, killed on Brooklyn subway: NYPD

Summary

A tragic incident unfolded early this morning on the F train at Coney Island, where a woman was set on fire by a fellow passenger. Despite her horrific injuries, she died at the scene. The police swiftly identified the suspect through subway cameras, and teenage witnesses helped lead authorities to his arrest. The suspect, a 33-year-old man from Guatemala, was taken into custody after a coordinated effort by the NYPD. The victim's identity has not yet been revealed as authorities work to notify her family. This brutal act is being described as one of the most depraved crimes imaginable.

Takeaways

• 😀 A disturbing incident occurred on the F train at the Coney Island Stillwell Avenue station, where a woman was set on fire by a fellow passenger.
• 😀 The police commissioner described the act as 'depraved,' while the MTA security chief called it a 'brutal and senseless homicide.'
• 😀 The woman tragically died at the scene after being set on fire. The suspect allegedly watched her burn while sitting on the subway platform.
• 😀 Surveillance cameras inside subway cars and on platforms played a crucial role in identifying the suspect, leading to a swift arrest.
• 😀 Three teenage boys, who saw someone matching the suspect's description on the train, helped alert the police, which resulted in the suspect's capture.
• 😀 The suspect, a 33-year-old man originally from Guatemala, was taken into custody but has not been charged yet as of the report's airing.
• 😀 Police have not yet released the name of the woman who died, as they are still waiting to notify her next of kin.
• 😀 Authorities have confirmed the arrest took place after transit officers identified the suspect at the J and York Street Station on the F line.
• 😀 The suspect, who arrived in the U.S. from Guatemala in 2018, was apprehended by NYPD transit officers without further incident.
• 😀 The news conference highlighted the swift actions of the public and law enforcement, which led to the timely apprehension of the suspect.

Q & A

What is the nature of the incident described in the transcript?

The incident involves a brutal homicide in which a woman was set on fire by a fellow passenger on the F train at Coney Island's Stillwell Avenue station.

What did the police commissioner and the transit chief say about the crime?

The police commissioner called it a 'depraved act,' while the transit chief described it as a 'brutal and senseless homicide.'

What role did the public play in helping the authorities solve the crime?

The public's assistance, particularly the subway cameras, played a crucial role in identifying the suspect. Teenaged boys aboard the train recognized the suspect and alerted the authorities, leading to his arrest.

How did the suspect react after setting the woman on fire?

After setting the woman on fire, the suspect reportedly sat on a bench at the platform, watching her as she slowly died.

What time did the incident occur, and on which subway line?

The incident occurred around 7:30 AM on the F train at the Coney Island Stillwell Avenue station.

How did the police manage to quickly identify the suspect?

The police used surveillance cameras inside the subway cars and on the platforms to capture still pictures of the suspect, which led to a quick identification.

What led to the arrest of the suspect?

Three teenage boys, who saw someone matching the suspect's description on the F train, called 9-1-1. Their prompt action helped lead to the suspect's arrest.

What are the details known about the suspect?

The suspect is a 33-year-old man from either Brooklyn or Queens, who arrived in the United States from Guatemala in 2018. However, his name has not been released yet.

Has the suspect been officially charged with a crime?

As of the time of the report, the suspect has not been charged with any crime, as the authorities are still in the process of investigating.

Why have the police not released the woman's name?

The police have not released the name of the victim because they are still in the process of notifying her next of kin.