Brooklyn Man indicted for subway stabbing death in Coney Island

December 23, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

A folding knife, a judge's gavel and a book on wooden table. Weapons, law and legal regulations.

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A homeless man, Zhongqian Chen, 32, was arraigned in Brooklyn Supreme Court before Justice Dineen Riviezzo on Thursday. He is accused of fatally stabbing a fellow passenger during an argument aboard a Coney Island-bound N train on the night of Oct. 29.

“This was a tragic and senseless murder that is particularly frightening as it took place aboard a subway car with several commuters,” District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said. “There is no place for this type of violence in Brooklyn. We will now seek to get justice for the victim and his loved ones.”

The Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue subway stop, where an Oct. 29 dispute aboard an N train turned deadly, leading to a Brooklyn man's indictment on murder charges. Image via Google Maps — The Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue subway stop, where an Oct. 29 dispute aboard an N train turned deadly, leading to a Brooklyn man’s indictment on murder charges. Image via Google Maps

Chen was charged with second-degree murder and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon. Held without bail, he is scheduled to return to court on Feb. 7, 2025. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years to life in prison.

Prosecutors said the incident occurred at approximately 11:10 P.M. at the Stillwell Avenue-Coney Island stop.

Chen, who is homeless, allegedly approached the victim, Timothy Rudolph, 54, a Bronx resident, prompting an altercation. During the fight, Chen reportedly pulled out a knife and stabbed Rudolph in the leg and torso.

Rudolph was rushed to NYU Langone Hospital—Brooklyn, where he was pronounced dead from his injuries. Chen fled the scene but was apprehended on Nov. 7 following an investigation by the NYPD.