Man, 24, indicted for fatal stabbing of man inside Washington Heights subway station

NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) — A 24-year-old man was indicted for fatally stabbing a man inside a Washington Heights subway station last month, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr. announced Tuesday.

Diego Figueroa-Hepner was charged with murder, criminal possession of a weapon, authorities said.

According to court documents, at approximately 5:40 p.m., on June 21, Figueroa-Hepner followed 40-year-old Johnny Medina, whom he was acquainted with, into the 175th Street subway station.

While on the subway mezzanine, Figueroa-Hepner approached, confronted and initiated a fight with Medina. During the fight, Figueroa-Hepner pulled out a knife and began chasing Medina, prosecutors said.

At approximately 5:48 p.m., as Medina attempted to escape up the stairs, Figueroa-Hepner stabbed him several times, causing him to fall at the bottom of the stairs, officials said.

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.

"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," DA Bragg said. "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."