A Brooklyn man known for his faith, humility, and service was beaten to death in broad daylight last week by a career criminal who should have been behind bars. The murder of 64-year-old Nicola Tanzi has become the latest indictment of New York’s revolving-door justice system, which continues to release violent offenders back into the community, often with tragic results.
Tanzi, a church usher and security guard, was attacked on Oct. 7 outside the Jay Street–MetroTech subway station. Police say 25-year-old David Mazariegos erupted in fury after Tanzi held a gate open for him, unleashing a savage ten-minute beating before robbing him.
“@GovKathyHochul has blood on her hands. Nicola Tanzi’s life was taken by another repeat offender roaming New York’s streets freely. New York needs leaders who will back the blue and make America’s transit system safe again.”
According to police and court records, Mazariegos has at least 33 prior arrests, including multiple assaults, robberies, and violent offenses. Just months ago, he was arrested again, only to be released after prosecutors downgraded felony charges to misdemeanors, forcing a judge’s hand. The suspect allegedly confessed to the killing, telling police he “didn’t like” that Tanzi had held the door for him.
Tanzi was a fixture at St. Dominic’s Parish in Bensonhurst and Sacred Hearts & St. Stephen Church in Carroll Gardens, where he was known for his gentle spirit and steady presence.
“Nicky had such a kind heart and was always a glass-is-half-full kind of person and he always had concerns for others,” said Deacon John Heyer. “So, I believe he’d help and forgive the person who did this and gotten them the help that they needed.”
His friend Deacon Anthony Mammoliti called him “probably the most Christ-like parishioner I’ve encountered,” recalling how Tanzi often covered shifts for co-workers with families and greeted parishioners with his warm smile.
“When I engaged with him in the parish, it was always with a congenial smile,” Mammoliti said. “He would have forgiven his assailant, because that’s who he was.”
Tanzi’s death is now yet another symbol of New York’s leniency gone deadly. His accused killer, a man with 33 arrests, walked free until he met a good man holding a door. And that act of kindness cost an innocent New Yorker his life.
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