D.A. Bragg Announces Indictment Of Man For Unprovoked, Fatal Subway Shoving In East Harlem


April 17, 2024

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., today announced the indictment of CARLTON MCPHERSON, 24, for pushing 54-year-old Jason Volz onto the tracks of an oncoming train at the 125th Street subway station in East Harlem, killing him. MCPHERSON is charged in a New York State Supreme Court indictment with one count of Murder in the Second Degree. [1]

“As alleged, Carlton McPherson tragically took Jason Volz’s life in a vicious and completely unprovoked act of violence,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Mr. Volz was a father and native New Yorker, and my heart goes out to his family and loved ones in their ongoing grief. I thank the prosecutors for their hard work in securing this indictment and we will continue to do all we can to hold people accountable who threaten the safety of fellow New Yorkers in our subway system.”

According to court documents and statements made on the record in court, on March 25, 2024, at approximately 6:55 p.m., Mr. Volz was standing on the northbound 4/5 train platform at the 125th Street subway station on Lexington Avenue. MCPHERSON approached Mr. Volz with his arms outstretched and, unprovoked, pushed him into an oncoming train as it entered the station. Mr. Volz was struck by the train and died.

Immediately following the push, MCPHERSON attempted to flee. Several eyewitnesses helped to flag the incident and point police officers toward MCPHERSON, who was arrested at the station.

Assistant D.A. Antoinette Carter (Senior Trial Counsel) and Assistant D.A. Christina Awad are handling the prosecution of this case, under the supervision of Assistant D.A. Siobhan Carty (Chief of Trial Bureau 80), and Executive Assistant D.A. Lisa DelPizzo (Chief of the Trial Division). Investigative Analyst Jessica Alexander (Trial Bureau 80) and Paralegals from Trial Bureaus 80 and 40 are providing valuable assistance in this case.

D.A. Bragg thanked the NYPD, particularly Detective Gerasimo Pyramides of the 25th Precinct, the officers of Transit Divisions 4 and 2, and the MTA.

Defendant Information:

CARLTON MCPHERSON
New York, NY

Charged:

  • Murder in the Second Degree, a class A-I felony, one count

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[1] The charges contained in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. All factual recitations are derived from documents filed in court and statements made on the record in court.