Trial of David Mazariegos for Murder of Nicola Tanzi
David Mazariegos, described as mute and unwell, smiled in court as he faced serious charges for the murder of Nicola Tanzi, a 64-year-old man who attended church regularly. Prosecutors recounted the chilling details of the incident, where Mazariegos allegedly claimed he had “taken the innocent victim’s soul.”
Facing first-degree murder charges, the 25-year-old was arrested after a brutal assault near the Jay Street Metrotech station on Tuesday. As Senior Assistant District Attorney Sapna Kishnani presented the case, she described some alarming statements made by Mazariegos, whose mouth was reportedly injured.
Kishnani recounted, “When questioned by police, he admitted to beating and robbing the victim, stating that he had ‘robbed her mind.'” This confession came after Mazariegos allegedly attacked Tanzi at the station’s security gate, striking him in the face.
Following the initial blow, prosecutors indicated that Mazariegos continued to stomp on Tanzi, even as he lay unconscious. “He trampled the victim not just once, but repeatedly,” Kishnani said, highlighting the brutality of the attack which resulted in numerous injuries, including a fractured skull.
Tanzi succumbed to his injuries just hours later. Prosecutors claimed that after the attack, Mazariegos rifled through Tanzi’s pockets, stealing his debit and credit cards, which were later discovered during his arrest in Times Square.
Kishnani also noted Mazariegos’ troubling history, pointing out that previous criminal charges against him had been dismissed due to mental health issues. Given the severity of the crime, she requested that Mazariegos be remanded without bail.
During the hearing, Mazariegos appeared in a worn Tyvek suit that showed signs of wear, and he had previously displayed unsettling behavior before being escorted by authorities.
While his lawyer did not seek bail, there was a request for Mazariegos to receive medical treatment. Ultimately, Judge Philippe Tisne ordered him to be held without bail as the proceedings continue.
