Importance Score: 42 / 100 🔵
A male suspect was detained following allegations of sexual assault on a deceased individual aboard a New York City subway prior to fleeing the premises. Felix Rojas, aged 44, faces rape charges almost three weeks after the purported transgression occurred on an R train at the Whitehall Street subway station shortly after midnight on April 9, as detailed by the New York Police Department (NYPD).
Details of the Incident
The unfortunate decedent was identified as 37-year-old Jorge Gonzalez, who met an untimely demise on the train before allegedly being assaulted by Rojas. The suspect, a Brooklyn resident, voluntarily handed himself over to authorities with his son on Sunday, as per sources.
The Sequence of Events
The NYPD has disclosed that Gonzalez boarded the subway around 8 PM on April 8, with Rojas following approximately three hours later. Rojas is accused of perpetrating the heinous act on Gonzalez, whose manner of death remains undetermined, just before midnight.
Following the alleged crime, Rojas exited the train around 12:08 AM, as captured by security footage reviewed by investigators. The NYPD released an image of the perpetrator, which may have prompted Rojas to give himself up. Law enforcement officials aim to interrogate Rojas regarding the incident, without confirming his identity publicly, and are appealing for information from the community.
Suspect Description
The NYC Police describe Rojas as standing approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing around 195 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. His last known residence was reported to be on Manor Avenue in the Soundview section of the Bronx. The cause of Jorge Gonzalez’s death remains elusive, but his estranged spouse revealed that he had battled alcohol dependence and liver cirrhosis.
Recent Subway Assaults in NYC
This abominable event occurred just two days after reports of a disturbing assault within a New York subway station were made known to the NYPD. The incident transpired on Monday, wherein a man purportedly attempted to rape a woman at the Rutgers Street and East Broadway station on the Lower East Side while she awaited a northbound F train around 2:30 AM.
Description of the Attempted Assailant
- The alleged attacker is believed to be between 25 and 35 years of age
- Approximately 5 feet 4 inches tall with fair skin and a lean build
- Last seen donning a white hoodie, dark blue jeans, and white sneakers
The NYPD reports that the perpetrator embraced the victim, lowered her pants, and attempted the assault. Law enforcement continues to investigate both incidents and urges the public to come forward with any pertinent information.