New York City police have arrested a Brooklyn man in connection with a disturbing subway corpse abuse case. Officers took Felix Rojas, 44, into custody late Sunday night. Police charged him with first-degree rape for a shocking act captured on video.
On April 9, surveillance footage showed a man engaging in subway corpse abuse aboard an R train in Lower Manhattan. That same man allegedly rummaged through the victim’s pockets before committing the act. Afterward, he fled the scene, according to internal police documents.
The NYPD launched a manhunt shortly after releasing stills from the video. Weeks later, Rojas reportedly turned himself in. Authorities confirmed his arrest in a press release on Monday morning.
The victim, Jorge Gonzalez, 37, was later identified by his estranged wife. She spoke to reporters and described their life together. They had married after meeting at her quinceañera and moved to the U.S. years ago.
“He adapted to everything,” she said in an interview. “We could go anywhere, whether it was sushi or street tacos.” She expressed shock and sadness upon hearing the circumstances of his death.
The subway corpse abuse case shocked many across the city. Riders expressed horror that such an act happened on public transportation. Officials have not disclosed how Gonzalez died, but they confirmed his body showed no signs of movement during the incident.
Authorities said Rojas lives in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. He will face arraignment later on Monday. Police believe he acted alone and declined to comment further on the investigation.
Although the case raised serious concerns about subway safety, officials reassured riders that additional security measures will follow. The NYPD continues to review footage for any overlooked clues.
Subway corpse abuse remains rare, but this case has sparked outrage and calls for reform. Prosecutors have not yet announced whether they will seek additional charges.
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