A 24-year-old suspect, Davone Bailey, was arraigned in a New York court yesterday after being charged in connection with a deadly fire on a New York City subway train that killed one woman and injured over 20 others.
Prosecutors accuse Bailey of intentionally setting the fire, which broke out in a rush-hour train in Brooklyn’s Atlantic Avenue-Barclays Center station. The blaze occurred on the night of January 4, with investigators concluding that the fire was deliberately ignited.
According to authorities, Bailey was arrested at a nearby subway station and is being held without bond.
New York City Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner, Keechant Sewell, described the investigation as “complex” but praised the work of police and fire officials who responded to the blaze.
Bailey’s arraignment comes as authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the fire, as well as the suspect’s background and potential links to any organized crime groups.
Prosecutors obtained a 20-count indictment, including charges of first-degree murder, attempted murder, and arson, all of which are state crimes. Federal charges are also pending.
The victim, 44-year-old Denver Reshef, died from injuries sustained in the fire. She was a mother of three who had been caught in the inferno while traveling to work.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the city, prompting an outpouring of support for the victim’s family and calls for greater vigilance on public transportation.