Brooklyn usher murdered in subway remembered as 'tremendous man of faith'

"Sixty-four-year-old Nicola Tanzi was killed on Oct. 7, when police say 25-year-old David Mazariegos beat him to death in the Jay Street-MetroTech station in Brooklyn. He later died at New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital. New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch described the attack as "horrific." Police were able to apprehend the suspect using photos and a physical description transmitted through their phones, Tisch said."

"Mazariegos has reportedly been arrested multiple times before. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said on X that state Gov. Kathy Hochul "has blood on her hands" over the death. "Nicola Tanzi's life was taken by another repeat offender roaming New York's streets freely," Duffy wrote. "New York needs leaders who will back the blue and make America's transit system safe again.""

"Deacon Anthony Mammoliti told CNA in an interview on Oct. 10 that Tanzi was "probably the most Christ-like parishioner I've encountered." Mammoliti serves at St. Dominic's Parish in Bensonhurst where Tanzi attended. Tanzi served as an usher there at the Italian Mass for at least 10 years, the deacon said. "He was a man who would give of himself," Mammoliti said. "In his civilian job, he would often, without hesitation, switch shifts to allow married colleagues to have family time. When I engaged with him in the parish, it was always with a congenial smile." Tanzi would regularly greet elderly parishioners with a "Buon Giorni!" and "Come Stai!" while holding the door for them, Mammoliti said."

Nicola Tanzi, 64, was beaten to death on Oct. 7 at the Jay Street-MetroTech subway station in Brooklyn and later died at New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital. Police apprehended the suspect, 25-year-old David Mazariegos, using photos and a physical description transmitted via phones. Officials described the assault as horrific. Mazariegos has reportedly faced prior arrests, prompting criticism of local policies from public figures. Tanzi served as an usher at St. Dominic's Parish for at least a decade and was remembered by parishioners for consistent kindness, generosity, and deep faith.

Read at Catholic News Agency