02 MAY 2025. Horror on the Subway: The Disturbing Case That Has New York City Reeling
New York City’s subway system has always been a microcosm of the city itself—loud, unpredictable, gritty, and sometimes dangerous. But even by the most cynical New Yorker’s standards, what occurred aboard a downtown R train on April 9, 2025, has crossed a line into grotesque territory that most never imagined. The case involves allegations of necrophilia, public sexual assault, and a glaring failure of public safety that has shocked citizens and reignited debate over the state of law enforcement, mental health, and immigration enforcement in the Big Apple.
The Alleged Crime
According to reports from the NYPD and several national media outlets, 44-year-old Felix Rojas of Brooklyn was arrested and charged with first-degree rape for allegedly committing acts of necrophilia on the corpse of a man identified as 37-year-old Jorge Gonzalez. Surveillance footage obtained from subway security cameras shows Rojas engaging in repeated sexual acts with Gonzalez, who was apparently already deceased at the time. The train car, unusually empty for a midday route, provided Rojas a twisted sanctuary for his actions.
Witnesses say the incident occurred over a 30-minute span, with Rojas reportedly pausing his actions every time the train approached a station, only to resume once the coast was clear. The assault included both anal and oral acts, according to court documents, and was only discovered after a transit worker noticed suspicious behavior on the train’s security monitor.
Gonzalez is believed to have died of natural causes prior to the assault. An autopsy revealed no signs of trauma before death, though toxicology reports are pending. What is most horrifying is that his body lay unattended on a public train long enough for such a heinous act to be committed without interruption.
Public Backlash and Safety Concerns
As news of the crime broke, New Yorkers and Americans across the country responded with outrage. Social media exploded with disbelief, disgust, and condemnation—not only of the crime itself, but of the system that allowed such a thing to happen on public transportation, in broad daylight, in the so-called greatest city in the world.
City officials, already under pressure due to rising subway crime, struggled to provide answers. “We are investigating all aspects of this case, including how the body went unnoticed for so long and what security measures failed,” said MTA Chairman Janno Lieber during a press conference. “This was an unspeakable act, and we must understand how it was allowed to happen.”
Indeed, in a city already grappling with crime spikes in its transit system—including stabbings, pushings, robberies, and random assaults—this case struck a new low. Safety, both real and perceived, is at an all-time crisis point for many commuters.
The Immigration Angle
The story took on a further political dimension when it was revealed that Rojas is an illegal immigrant, with multiple prior encounters with law enforcement and two immigration detainers that had previously been ignored by city authorities under New York’s sanctuary city policy.
ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) confirmed that Rojas had been arrested on unrelated charges in 2019 and 2022 but was released both times without being turned over to federal authorities due to New York City’s non-cooperation policies. ICE issued a statement following Rojas’s arrest: “This individual should have been in ICE custody years ago. The city’s refusal to comply with lawful detainers has now resulted in a monstrous act that could have been prevented.”
Conservative voices in media and politics seized on the revelation. “This isn’t just a crime—it’s a product of progressive negligence,” said one Fox News host. “An illegal alien with a criminal record is allowed to roam free in New York, and what does he do? He rapes a dead man on the subway. And Mayor Adams is still trying to pretend everything is under control?”
On Capitol Hill, lawmakers called for investigations and even new legislation to punish sanctuary cities that ignore ICE detainers. Congressman Matt Gaetz tweeted, “Sanctuary policies don’t just fail—they kill, rape, and endanger. Enough.”
Legal Ramifications
Rojas turned himself in to NYPD on April 27, after reportedly being identified through the MTA’s facial recognition system. He is currently being held without bail at Rikers Island and faces multiple felony charges, including first-degree rape, public lewdness, and abuse of a corpse. Legal experts say he could face up to 25 years in prison if convicted.
“There’s no precedent for a case like this in New York criminal history,” said legal analyst Paul Callan. “It’s rare, disgusting, and disturbing—and the fact that it occurred in public, on public transit, adds layers of depravity and public endangerment that will certainly influence sentencing.”
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Lucky Peterson (1964–2020) was a powerhouse American blues musician known for his electrifying guitar work, masterful keyboard skills, and soulful vocals. Born Judge Kenneth Peterson in Buffalo, New York, he grew up surrounded by blues legends at his father’s club, The Governor’s Inn. A child prodigy, he gained national fame by the age of five after being discovered by Willie Dixon and appearing on major television shows. Throughout his career, Peterson developed a unique sound blending blues, soul, gospel, R&B, and rock. He released dozens of albums, earning a reputation for his passionate live performances and versatile musicianship. Over the years, he collaborated with icons like Etta James, Bobby “Blue” Bland, and Mavis Staples, while building a loyal international fanbase. Peterson’s music was both deeply rooted in tradition and refreshingly innovative, making him a standout figure in contemporary blues. He passed away in 2020, leaving behind a powerful, enduring legacy.
Six O’Clock Blues
Provided to YouTube by Exceleration Music Six O’Clock Blues · Lucky Peterson Triple Play ℗ 1990 Alligator Records & Artist Mgmt., Inc Released on: 1990-11-06 Main Artist: Lucky Peterson Composer: Boylston Composer: Michel Lyricist: Boylston Lyricist: Michel Music Publisher: Perfect Heart c/o Bug Music Auto-generated by YouTube.
Succinctness!