A Kind Soul Lost: Nicola Tanzi’s Life Ends in Tragedy at Jay Street Station

New York, NY — The city is in mourning after the violent and senseless death of 64-year-old Nicola Tanzi, who was brutally attacked in a Downtown Brooklyn subway station. What began as a regular afternoon commute turned into a devastating scene of violence, sending shockwaves through the community. Tanzi, described by friends and colleagues as kind, thoughtful, and always willing to help others, became the latest victim in a chilling subway homicide. The suspect, 25-year-old David Mazariegos, has since been arrested and charged with murder, robbery, and grand larceny.

According to NYPD reports, the confrontation occurred around 3 p.m. at the Jay Street–MetroTech station. Surveillance footage revealed a horrific scene: after a verbal exchange, Mazariegos launched a relentless assault on Tanzi—punching, kicking, and stomping on his head approximately 15 times. Tanzi was rushed to New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital with a fractured skull but succumbed to his injuries shortly after.

A City Stunned: Who Was Nicola Tanzi?

For those who knew him, Nicola Tanzi was more than just another name in the headlines—he was a kind-hearted man who quietly made the world a little better every day. Believed to be working as a security guard, he often looked out for others in the very system where his life was taken. He approached Mazariegos only after seeing him tampering with an exit gate—doing his job and ensuring public safety.

Colleagues remember him as someone who never sought attention, yet left a lasting impression with his calm demeanor and generosity. In the days following his passing, candles and flowers were laid at the subway entrance in his memory. “He was always looking out for everyone, even strangers,” one coworker said, tearfully. “He didn’t deserve this. No one does.”

The broader New York community has also reacted with outrage and grief, questioning how someone with 17 prior arrests, including recent assault charges, was free to commit such a heinous act. This tragic loss has reignited conversations about safety in public spaces and the urgency of reforming how repeat offenders are managed.