Sketch shows Lower Manhattan subway thief who delivered deadly punch to homeless man

The NYPD released on Wednesday morning a sketch of the Lower Manhattan subway thief who punched out a homeless man, causing his death, during a robbery on board an E train six months ago.

The victim, Homero Urgilez, 52, died months later at a local hospital from injuries he sustained in the encounter.

Law enforcement sources said the incident occurred at 2:15 a.m. on June 20 on board a World Trade Center-bound E train approaching the Canal Street station.

According to authorities, the suspect approached Urgilez and attempted to swipe a bag from him. The victim then attempted to regain possession of his bag, leading to a physical struggle.

Cops said the thief punched Urgilez in the face, knocking him down. While falling, the victim’s head struck the floor of the subway car, causing trauma.

The robber ultimately exited the train car with the victim’s bag. 

Officers from the 1st Precinct and the NYPD Transit Bureau, who had been alerted to the incident via a 911 call from a witness, located the injured victim after the train arrived at the Chambers Street-World Trade Center station.

Responding EMS units rushed Urgilez to NewYork-Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital. He was later transferred to NewYork-Presbyterian Queens hospital, where he died of his injuries on Oct. 1. 

Following an autopsy by the Medical Examiner’s office, Urgilez’s death was ruled a homicide, police said.

Anyone with information regarding the incident or the suspect’s whereabouts can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA). You can also submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on Twitter @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential.