The aunt of a man who was killed when he was shoved in front of a subway train in East Harlem begged him to stop using the subway due to an increase in violence underground. Christine Conte shared details of her final conversation with her nephew, Jason Volz, outside a Manhattan courtroom after his alleged killer was indicted. Despite her warnings, Volz was excited about a first date he had planned with a new girlfriend.
The number of felony assaults in the transit system increased by 53% last year compared to pre-pandemic times, with 570 attacks in 2023 compared to 373 in 2019 according to the latest NYPD data. Conte and her son attended a hearing for Carlton McPherson, the accused killer of Volz. McPherson, who has family in the gallery, had his appearance waived by his attorney. Tempers flared outside the courtroom between Conte’s son and McPherson’s family.
Conte expressed a desire to see McPherson after being unable to see her nephew’s body. She wanted to witness his reaction during the hearing and understand the emotions displayed by the man who had taken her nephew’s life. Knowing that Volz was pushed to his death while waiting for a subway has haunted Conte, who described the loss as “awful.” She remembered Volz as a compassionate person with a big heart according to neighbors.
McPherson will be arraigned on murder charges at his next court appearance on April 15. Conte’s apprehensions about subway safety were sadly realized when her beloved nephew was killed in a senseless act of violence. The increase in attacks on straphangers has left many New Yorkers concerned about their safety while using public transportation. The tragic loss of Jason Volz has highlighted the dangers that exist underground and the need for increased security measures to protect commuters.
