Manhattan subway suspect in corpse rape paused as passengers boarded and exited train, according to prosecutors.

A man has been charged with heinous crimes involving the deceased in a disturbing incident that transpired on a Manhattan subway. Authorities allege that Felix Rojas, 44, committed acts of necrophilia and attempted grand larceny against a 37-year-old victim, Jorge Gonzalez, mere minutes after Gonzalez’s death.

According to prosecutors, Rojas approached the lifeless body shortly after it became motionless, approximately 30 minutes after Gonzalez had lost consciousness, an event initially triggered by a cigarette offered by another subway passenger around 10:45 p.m. on April 8. Rojas allegedly rifled through the victim’s clothing, searching for valuables, and subsequently engaged in sexual acts with the corpse as the R train traveled through Manhattan.

The prosecution detailed that Rojas demonstrated a disturbing awareness of his surroundings, pausing his assault when the train stopped to allow other passengers on and off. This careful behavior is cited as evidence of Rojas’ intent to evade detection while committing his crimes. The chilling episode reportedly lasted for nearly half an hour, during which Rojas switched between committing sexual acts and searching the deceased for belongings, even going as far as to remove Gonzalez’s shoes.

The timeline of events and the assault were corroborated by surveillance footage, which played a pivotal role in constructing the case against Rojas. After the incidents, Rojas remained at the subway station, even as other individuals, including a woman who has not yet been identified, allegedly exploited the situation by further robbing Gonzalez’s body. It wasn’t until the body was discovered by MTA workers around 12:30 a.m. that authorities were alerted.

Rojas was apprehended shortly thereafter, following recognition by his own son, who identified him from the security footage released by the New York Police Department (NYPD). Although Rojas has no prior criminal history in New York City, he has been remanded without bail as he awaits further proceedings.

This incident has shocked many and has raised pivotal questions about safety and the moral fabric of urban life’s underbelly. While the alleged acts are being prosecuted vigorously, Rojas’ family has publicly defended him, asserting his innocence. Questions about the psychological state of an individual committing such acts and the broader implications for public safety remain hotly debated. The NYPD continues to seek the identity of the second suspect involved in the robbery and has urged any witnesses to come forward to offer assistance in the investigation.