Orsen Reyes, a 23-year-old Washington Heights native, was sentenced Thursday to 12 years in state prison for repeatedly stomping on a 48-year-old man’s head and attempting to pull him toward the train tracks during a brutal subway platform attack in Hell’s Kitchen last year.
Background
Reyes allegedly attacked the victim on the northbound C line platform at the 50th Street station in Manhattan on December 2024, according to NYPD statements. After the slashing, Reyes quietly slipped away and made his way to the 59th Street-Columbus Circle station, where he was apprehended by police with blood covering his sneakers and hands.
The victim, an undocumented man, sustained severe injuries and was transported to Bellevue Hospital in stable condition. Prosecutors noted that the victim refused to speak with them during court proceedings out of fear.
"Their fear of participating was real," a Manhattan prosecutor told the court.
The Sentencing
Reyes appeared before Judge Althea Drysdale at Manhattan Supreme Court for sentencing, wearing his hair knotted with a white bandana underneath. A jury had unanimously found him guilty on all charges, including attempted murder as the top count, making him a first-time offender convicted of serious felonies.
Before receiving the 12-year sentence, Reyes was given the opportunity to adjourn proceedings to speak with the Department of Probation but declined.
"I don't know," Reyes said when asked if he wanted time to consult. "It doesn't matter."
In addition to his state prison term, Reyes will serve five years of probation following his release.
Key Takeaways
- Orsen Reyes, 23, was sentenced to 12 years in state prison plus 5 years probation
- A jury unanimously convicted him of attempted murder and other charges for the December 2024 attack
- Prosecutors alleged he repeatedly stomped on the victim's head while attempting to pull him toward the train tracks
- The victim remains unidentified publicly and declined to cooperate with prosecutors due to fear
- Reyes was arrested at the 59th Street-Columbus Circle station with blood covering his shoes and hands
What's Next
Reyes will begin serving his sentence in state prison. His defense team has not indicated whether they plan to appeal the conviction or seek modification of the sentence.
The case remains closed pending any post-conviction motions.