In a deeply disturbing incident, a 44-year-old man has been arrested and charged after allegedly sexually assaulting a deceased individual on a New York City subway train.
The suspect, identified as Felix Rojas, was captured on surveillance footage engaging in sexual acts with the body of 37-year-old Jorge Gonzalez aboard a southbound R train near the Whitehall Street station in Lower Manhattan. The incident occurred in the early hours of April 9, 2025. Gonzalez had reportedly lost consciousness on the train around 10:50 p.m. on April 8, and Rojas boarded approximately 30 minutes later. Authorities believe Gonzalez died of natural causes prior to the assault.
Prosecutors allege that Rojas attempted to avoid detection by halting his actions when the train stopped at stations and resuming once it was in motion. The assault reportedly lasted over 30 minutes. Rojas also allegedly robbed Gonzalez during the incident.
Following a manhunt, Rojas turned himself in to the police on April 27, accompanied by his son. He has been charged with multiple crimes, including rape and grand larceny, and is being held without bail, said reports.
The victim, Jorge Gonzalez, was a Mexican immigrant who had lived in the U.S. for about 20 years, working various jobs to support his family. He had struggled with alcoholism and lost contact with his family, including his wife Teresa and their 13-year-old son, who was deeply affected by news of his father’s death.
Felix Rojas is an undocumented immigrant. According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Rojas has illegally entered the United States multiple times since 1998. He has been apprehended and voluntarily returned to Mexico on at least four occasions by U.S. Border Patrol agents. His most recent illegal entry into the U.S. remains unknown. Following his arrest in New York City for allegedly sexually assaulting a deceased individual on a subway train, ICE lodged an immigration detainer against him on April 30, 2025, to prevent his release pending trial.
This case has garnered significant public attention due to its shocking nature and the fact that it occurred in a public setting. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
