A 69-year-old homeless man in New York City who was targeted in a robbery attempt on a subway train has been cleared of charges after fatally stabbing one of the suspects in a violent altercation caught on camera. The incident, which occurred on Dec. 22, involved a group of illegal migrants, with at least three of them confirmed to be in the country unlawfully.
The deceased migrant, identified as Stalin Moya of Ecuador, had a criminal history that included multiple arrests for serious offenses such as felony assault, felony robbery, and criminal possession of a weapon. The homeless man, who was asleep on the subway train when he was accosted by the suspects, defended himself during the altercation, resulting in the fatal stabbing of one of the assailants.
While the homeless man will not face charges, four surviving suspects are currently facing legal consequences for their involvement in the attack. They have been indicted on charges including attempted gang assault, assault, and robbery for stealing the man's belongings. If convicted, they could face up to 15 years in prison.
The incident underscores the ongoing issue of migrant-related crime in the city, with another recent case involving a Guatemalan illegal migrant setting fire to a homeless woman on a Brooklyn subway. The Queens District Attorney's Office has stated that the subways must be safe for all passengers and emphasized the importance of CCTV cameras in investigations.
Following the altercation, ICE issued immigration detainers against two of the suspects, while the immigration status of the other two remains unclear. The homeless man sustained injuries during the brawl and was treated at a local hospital for abrasions, lacerations, contusions, and bleeding to his head and face.
