Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., announced the indictment of DIEGO FIGUEROA-HEPNER, 24, for fatally stabbing 40-year-old Johnny Medina at a subway station in Washington Heights in June 2024. FIGUEROA-HEPNER is charged in a New York State Supreme Court indictment with one count each of Murder in the Second Degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree. [1]
“As alleged, Diego Figureoa-Hepner committed a senseless, vicious act when he stabbed and took the life of Johnny Medina, a vibrant, positive and creative person, inside a Manhattan subway station,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Our transit system is a cornerstone of our city and we will continue holding people accountable who exploit it as a place to bring weapons and commit violent conduct. Mr. Medina was part of an incredible, tight-knit community and my thoughts remain with his family and loved ones as they continue mourning his loss.”
According to court documents and statements made on the record in court, on June 21, 2024, at approximately 5:40 p.m., FIGUEROA-HEPNER followed Mr. Medina, whom he was acquainted with, into the 175 Street subway station, near West 175th Street and Fort Washington Avenue. While on the subway mezzanine, FIGUEROA-HEPNER approached, confronted and initiated a fight with Mr. Medina. During the fight, FIGUEROA-HEPNER pulled out a knife and began chasing Mr. Medina.
At approximately 5:48 p.m., as Mr. Medina attempted to escape up the stairs, FIGUEROA-HEPNER stabbed him several times, causing Mr. Medina to fall at the bottom of the stairs. Mr. Medina suffered stab wounds to the neck, shoulder and torso. He was eventually transported to Harlem Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
FIGUEROA-HEPNER fled the station, walking northbound on Fort Washington Avenue. He was arrested the next day.
Assistant D.A. Charles Whitt (Chief of Trial Bureau 60) is handling the prosecution of this case, with the assistance of Meaghan Dunigan and Edward Smith (Trial Bureau 60), under the supervision of Executive Assistant D.A. Lisa DelPizzo (Chief of the Trial Division).
D.A. Bragg thanked the NYPD, particularly Detective Alejandro Rivas, Detective Vianny Madera and Detective Matthew Kasler of the 33rd Precinct and Detective Heriberto Vasquez of the Manhattan North Borough Homicide Squad. He also thanked the other members of the 33rd Precinct, as well as the members of the 34th Precinct and Transit Division District 3.
[1] The charges contained in the indictment are merely allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. All factual recitations are derived from documents filed in court and statements made on the record in court.
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