New York City police are working tirelessly to identify the woman who tragically lost her life after being set on fire in a subway train on Sunday morning.
A man, now in custody, is being questioned as a “person of interest” in connection with the horrific crime, as reported by Associated Press.
The victim’s identity remains unknown as police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death. Transit police are also looking into whether she may have been homeless.
The suspect, whose name has not been disclosed, was apprehended after three high school students recognised him from widely circulated surveillance and body camera footage.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch condemned the attack as “one of the most depraved crimes one person could possibly commit against another human being.” The suspect and the woman were aboard the same train, but had no prior interaction. Surveillance footage showed the man calmly approach the woman, who was seated, possibly asleep, and set her clothing on fire with a lighter. Within moments, the flames engulfed her.
The incident unfolded at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue subway station. Officers on routine patrol noticed smoke coming from a train and discovered the woman burning inside the car. Despite efforts to extinguish the flames, she was declared dead at the scene.
The suspect remained at the station, sitting on a bench near the train. Officers were able to identify him and track him down on a different subway train because of the body camera footage.
The suspect was arrested without incident, and a lighter was found in his possession.
This tragic event was the second fatality on the subway that day, following a stabbing earlier in Queens. Investigations into both incidents continue.