A Washington Heights resident is in custody on murder charges after allegedly fatally stabbing his neighbor, a musician, inside an Upper Manhattan subway station. Diego Figueroa-Hepner, 24, is accused of killing Johnny Medina, 40, in the 175th Street station, according to police.
Medina, a well-known hip hop artist in Washington Heights, was attacked while heading to catch a northbound A train to visit his girlfriend in Yonkers.
Wearing a balaclava mask, Figueroa-Hepner reportedly stabbed Medina multiple times in the neck and body. Medina was transported to Harlem Hospital, where he died from his injuries.
Known by his stage name “J McFly,” Medina was a beloved figure in his community. His family described him as a passionate artist dedicated to spreading positivity through his music. “He was an amazing artist, hip hop artist, lifelong hip hop fan – he was all about spreading love and light through his music,” said Maximo Reves, Medina’s cousin. Anthony Reves, another cousin, added, “He was filled with infinite dreams and inspired us to dream big along with him. It’s tragic his life ended at this point of his journey.”
The stabbing shocked the Washington Heights community, especially given the history between Medina and Figueroa-Hepner. According to Maximo, Figueroa-Hepner had been posting negative comments about Medina on social media, leading Medina to file a police report about a month before the incident.
A police source confirmed the existence of a prior social media dispute but could not immediately verify if it had been officially reported to the authorities. Figueroa-Hepner was arrested on Saturday and charged with murder and criminal possession of a weapon.
Medina’s death has highlighted ongoing concerns about safety and violence in the city. The incident has prompted calls for increased security and vigilance, particularly in public spaces like subway stations. As the community mourns the loss of Johnny Medina, they also grapple with the need for justice and the prevention of similar tragedies in the future.
Johnny Medina, a lifelong resident of Washington Heights, was known for his vibrant presence and dedication to his music. His untimely death has left a profound impact on his family, friends, and the local community. As the legal process against Figueroa-Hepner progresses, the community seeks to remember and honor Medina’s legacy of positivity and inspiration.
