Homeless Man Indicted for Second-Degree Murder in Coney Island Subway Stabbing

A man has been indicted in Brooklyn for the fatal stabbing of another man on the N train in Coney Island, following what authorities describe as a dispute between the two. The Brooklyn District Attorney's Office announced the indictment of 32-year-old Zhongqian Chen, a homeless individual now facing charges of second-degree murder and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez spoke on the gravity of the crime stating, “This was a tragic and senseless murder that is particularly frightening as it took place aboard a subway car with several commuters. 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,” according to the DA's office. Chen could face 25 years to life in prison if convicted of the top charge

The indictment stems from an incident on October 29, when at approximately 11:10 p.m., Chen allegedly initiated an attack against 54-year-old Timothy Rudolph. The altercation escalated into a physical fight on the N train at the Stillwell Avenue-Coney Island stop, during which Chen is accused of stabbing Rudolph twice, once in the torso and once in the leg.

Rudolph, who was a Bronx resident, was transported to NYU Langone Hospital – Brooklyn, where he later died of his injuries. Following the stabbing, Chen fled the scene, but was ultimately apprehended on November 7. His arrest came as a result of an investigation by local authorities. The case is now being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Matthew Perry, of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau, as detailed by the DA's office.

Justice Dineen Riviezzo oversaw the arraignment and ordered Chen to be held without bail; the next court appearance is scheduled for February 7, 2025. The DA's office is urging anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward and contact Crimestoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.