Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr. announced the sentencing of Jamar Banks, 53, to 10 years in state prison. Banks pleaded guilty to first-degree assault for stabbing a man on a subway train on New Year’s Day, resulting in serious injury to the victim, according to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.
On the morning of the incident, around 9:30 a.m., Banks was asleep on the uptown 2 train with his belongings nearby. A theft occurred when another subway rider took Banks' suitcase and blanket, leading to a confrontation at the 14th Street and 7th Avenue Station. After waking and discovering his possessions missing, Banks stabbed the man he accused of theft. “This vicious attack left the victim with significant injuries,” District Attorney Bragg stated in a press release.
The victim, who was 35 at the time, suffered a severe lung puncture and a 5-centimeter-deep laceration while trying to walk away from Banks. After the stabbing, the victim activated an emergency alert on the train before collapsing and was later treated at Bellevue Hospital for a ruptured lung and internal bleeding.
After the altercation, Banks fled the scene but was arrested by the NYPD on January 5. The investigation and arrest involved a collaborative effort, with District Attorney Bragg acknowledging the work of Detective Frank Danoy of the NYPD Detective Bureau. Prosecutorial responsibilities were handled by Assistant D.A. Jillian Shartrand, under the supervision of Assistant D.A. Erin Tierney and Executive Assistant D.A. Lisa DelPizzo.
