Aiexpress – Three people were detained in the senseless shooting death of a 45-year-old straphanger gunned down on a Bronx subway train last week, authorities said.
The US Marshals Service apprehended Justin Herde, 24, Betty Cotto, 38, and Alfredo Trinidad, 42, and seized the suspected murder weapon in connection with the death of William Alvarez. Police reported that Alvarez was shot on a southbound D train as it arrived at the 182-183 Streets station around 5 a.m. on Friday. Charges are currently pending against the suspects.
The three suspects were each charged with murder, manslaughter, and criminal possession of a weapon.
According to authorities, one of the alleged perpetrators immediately sat next to the victim, and the two quickly became embroiled in a violent debate.
“They both stand up, and then the words turn physical,” NYPD Assistant Chief Jerry O’Sullivan said on Friday, adding that the brawl swiftly became a “three-on-one” when the two other suspects got involved.
One of the suspects then shot Alvarez in the torso at least once, and the trio fled as the train approached the station.
Alvarez tragically lost his life after being rushed to St. Barnabas Hospital.
Law enforcement officials apprehended all three suspects in a Bronx apartment and took them into custody. The New York Police Department (NYPD) and US Marshals conducted the operation, successfully seizing the suspected murder weapon during the raid.
According to law enforcement sources, cops and US Marshals apprehended all three suspects inside a Bronx apartment and detained them. The NYPD also seized the alleged murder weapon during the raid.
Ralph Sozio, the US Marshal for the Southern District of New York, expressed his admiration for the joint efforts of federal and local law enforcement.
According to Sozio, the successful arrest of all three shooters can be attributed to the exceptional investigative efforts and expertise of federal and local law enforcement agencies. He emphasized their unwavering determination to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure the safety of city streets and subways for everyone.
During a briefing on Monday, NYPD Chief of Transit Michael Kemper revealed that subway crime experienced an alarming increase of 45% in January, primarily due to the rise in grand larcenies. However, there has been a significant improvement, with a decrease of approximately 17% in subway crime reported so far this month.
“Spikes occur,” stated the chief during a press conference.
Kemper voiced his frustration about how transit crime is frequently committed by repeat offenders.
In a statement to reporters, he expressed his frustration with the recurring arrests of certain individuals. He questioned why they were continually being apprehended, using the example of one person who had been arrested a staggering 55 times.
