News Summary
New York City faces heightened fear after two violent incidents involving murder arrests. Jaheem Warren is charged in the choking death of Leslie Toerres, while David Mazariegos is accused of murdering Nicola Tanzi at a Brooklyn subway station. Both crimes have sparked outrage and concern within the community regarding public safety, as calls for enhanced security measures grow amid mourning for the victims.
New York City is reeling from two violent incidents that resulted in the arrests of two men accused of murder. Jaheem Warren, 33, was apprehended in New Jersey on Tuesday for the death of 23-year-old Leslie Toerres, while 25-year-old David Mazariegos was arrested on Wednesday for the beating death of 64-year-old Nicola Tanzi at a subway station in Brooklyn. Both cases have sparked fear and concern among residents in the city.
Jaheem Warren Arrested for Choking Incident
Warren was charged with two counts of murder, two counts of assault, and two counts of strangulation in connection with the death of Toerres, who was reportedly stalked and choked as she walked through Midtown on October 29. Surveillance cameras captured the attack, which left Toerres critically injured. She was discovered on the sidewalk outside the RIU Plaza New York Times Square Hotel by hotel staff and was quickly rushed to Mount Sinai Hospital. Toerres remained on life support until her death on November 4.
Warren has a significant criminal history in New Jersey that includes a 2019 conviction for drug dealing and money laundering. After serving more than four years in prison, he was released in June 2023. He was rearrested in November 2023 for drug dealing but was released on March 6. Although he denied attacking Toerres during his arrest, the evidence gathered against him is substantial.
David Mazariegos Arrested for Subway Murder
Mazariegos faces serious charges including two counts of murder, robbery, and grand larceny following the brutal beating death of Tanzi at the Jay Street–MetroTech subway station in Brooklyn. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon, with police alleging Mazariegos attacked Tanzi simply because he did not like the way Tanzi looked at him.
Witnesses reported that Mazariegos punched Tanzi repeatedly in the face and stomped on his head multiple times in an unprovoked assault that lasted about 10 minutes. After the attack, he stole Tanzi’s wallet and fled the scene. Tanzi was found unconscious and taken to New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, where he died about an hour later.
Law enforcement officials launched a manhunt for Mazariegos, using emergency alerts to disseminate descriptions of him to officers in the area. He was ultimately arrested in Times Square, where he was found with a samurai sword and several credit cards belonging to the victim. Mazariegos has confessed to the murder during questioning.
Background of the Victims and Community Impact
Both victims share a tragic story as Tanzi was well-known in his community as a protective figure and a good Samaritan, with plans to retire next year. His death has left friends and community members in mourning. The random nature of his murder, as well as the violent incidents involving Toerres, have raised safety concerns among subway riders and other residents in the area. Many are expressing fear over their safety while navigating public spaces.
The New York City Police Department is actively investigating both cases and has reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring public safety. The recent surge in violent incidents has prompted community leaders to call for increased security measures in both public transport and urban environments to help restore a sense of safety for residents.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Cuomo Faces Pressure as Mamdani Gains Momentum in NYC Mayoral Race
New York Reports Decrease in Retail Theft Incidents
New York City Sees Significant Drop in Retail Theft
New York Sees Decline in Organized Retail Theft
Zohran Mamdani Wins Democratic Primary for NYC Mayor
Trump Administration’s Policies Threaten NYC Economy
Economic Challenges in New York City Amid Trump Policies
Bill Ackman Backs Mayor Eric Adams for Re-election
Crime Rates Plummet in New York City: A Big Win for Safety
New York City Faces Business Challenges Amid Rising Concerns
Additional Resources
- The New York Times
- Fox 5 NY
- ABC7 NY
- Brooklyn Paper
- NBC New York
- Wikipedia: New York City Subway
- Encyclopedia Britannica: New York City
- Google Search: Brooklyn subway crime
- Google News: NYC subway violence
- Google Scholar: subway violence New York City
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
