David Mazariegos, a 25-year-old with a lengthy criminal history, has been charged with murder following a violent attack that left a man dead outside Brooklyn’s Jay Street-MetroTech subway station. The incident, which occurred Tuesday afternoon, stemmed from a minor altercation when the victim, 64-year-old Nicola Tanzi, offered a small act of kindness by holding a subway gate door open for Mazariegos.
According to police sources, Mazariegos admitted to attacking Tanzi simply because he didn’t like the way Tanzi looked at him. The assault was brutal and prolonged, as Mazariegos repeatedly struck Tanzi in the face and stomped on his head up to 15 times. After the vicious beating, the attacker took Tanzi’s wallet and ID, delaying the process of identifying the victim. Tanzi succumbed to his injuries about an hour later at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital.
Tanzi, originally from Bari, Italy, had lived in Brooklyn for over two decades. He was known for his work in security and active participation in the local community, including being a church usher at St. Dominic Parish and a member of an Italian club in Carroll Gardens. Friends and community members mourned his loss, remembering him as a kind and cheerful person
Mazariegos, who was apprehended in Times Square shortly after the incident, was identified by NYPD officers thanks to a department-wide emergency alert that included his description and photographs. At the time of his arrest, Mazariegos was found with a samurai sword, nunchucks, and the deceased man’s credit cards.
A resident of the Bronx, Mazariegos has an extensive arrest record, amounting to at least 33 previous charges for offenses including fare evasion, graffiti, and petty larceny. His past behavior has occasionally erupted into violence, as demonstrated by an alleged June attack on a security guard. His arrest history, coupled with his presence in the city’s transit recidivist database, highlights previous failures in addressing his recurring criminal behavior.
Court records indicate that prior to the Brooklyn incident, Mazariegos was released on recognizance for damaging a car in the Bronx while acting erratically. Now, following this most recent arrest, he faces serious charges and will be arraigned for the murder of Tanzi, as well as weapons charges related to his recent conduct.
This shocking case has reignited discussions surrounding public safety, mental health, and the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts in preventing repeat offenses. As the investigation continues, the NYPD is reviewing similarities with past attacks to understand and prevent future incidents.