Family and friends of a Manhattan musician senselessly stabbed to death at a subway station last month packed a courtroom Tuesday morning to witness the arraignment of his alleged killer. Diego Figueroa-Hepner, 24, stands accused of following 40-year-old Johnny Medina into the West 175th Street subway station, near Fort Washington Avenue, in Washington Heights at around 5:30 p.m.
on June 21. Court documents and sources familiar with the investigation report that Figueroa-Hepner and Medina had been acquainted with one another and had some kind of dispute online. Despite the altercation Medina’s mother, Estela Reyes, said she did not recognize her son’s alleged killer.
Upon seeing him in court Tuesday, a wave of grief washed over her once more. “I am very surprised I didn’t know him,” Reyes said with the help of a translator. “It’s tough, really tough.
He took my son’s life.” The family and friends of 40-year-old Johnny Medina packed a 9th floor courtroom located 111 Centre Street on July 23 to face the man who reportedly stole the beloved artist from them in a bloody attack last month. Photo by Dean Moses Other members of the family say they are also in deep pain and are just trying to stay strong following the loss.
Still, they say they are trying to focus on who Medina was, recalling him as a caring and loving man. “He had a beautiful heart. And all he wanted to do was help the community, help the talented kids in the neighborhood and he never deserved this,” a woman who only identified herself as a cousin.
“He just wanted to live life singing his music and helping others.” During the June 21 homicide, prosecutors said, Figueroa-Hepner allegedly attacked Medina on the mezzanine level and charged at him with a knife, according to court documents. As Medina attempted to flee from his attacker up a flight of stairs, cops said, Figueroa-Hepner purportedly stabbed Medina in the neck, shoulder, and torso, sending him tumbling down the steps.
Figueroa-Hepner allegedly fled on foot northbound along Fort Washington Avenue. EMS rushed Medina to Harlem Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Diego Figueroa-Hepner, 24, was indicted for the fatal subway stabbing of 40-year-old Johnny Medina.
Photo by Dean Moses “As alleged, Diego Figueroa-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,” Manhattan District Attorney Alvin 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.” Figueroa-Hepner is charged with murder and criminal possession of a weapon. Family and friends weep after the court appearance.
Photo by Dean Moses.
