The Subway Vigilante

On December 22, 1984, the Defendant, an electrical engineer, boarded a New York City subway car at 14th Street. Four young men — the first youth, the second youth, the third youth, and the fourth youth — were in the near-empty car. Two had screwdrivers in their jacket pockets; none displayed a weapon. The first youth approached the Defendant and said, "Give me five dollars." The Defendant rose and fired his unlicensed .38 caliber revolver five times, striking all four men. The second youth was hit in the spine and left permanently paralyzed with brain damage. The Defendant fled through the subway tunnel and surrendered to Police in Concord, New Hampshire, nine days later. He was indicted on four counts of attempted murder.