Fulton Street Station (21202): Brutal NYC Assault: Man Sentenced for Shoving Girlfriend into Subway — LIVE UPDATES

Fulton Street Station (21202) – A chilling act of domestic violence culminated in tragedy at Fulton Street Station, Manhattan on March 9, 2024. Christian Valdez, 36, has been sentenced to 18 years in state prison after pleading guilty to second-degree attempted murder for pushing his girlfriend onto the tracks of the 2/3 subway line, resulting in the amputation of both her legs and life-altering injuries. Prosecutors revealed Valdez was on parole at the time and fled to New Jersey before being arrested upon his return to New York. During sentencing, District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr. described the violence as a “grave act of domestic violence in our transit system.” The victim—identified as Ada Blake, 29—delivered a powerful impact statement, describing the loss of her ability to feel the earth beneath her feet.

Key Facts

• BREAKING: Valdez sentenced to 18 years in prison for subway assault.

• IMPACT: Victim lost both legs; suffered rib fractures and lung clot.

• OFFICIAL SOURCE: “Permanent physical injuries … emotional trauma.” — DA Bragg.

• ACTION: Anyone with info on parole violations should report to NY authorities.

Hyperlocal Impact

1. Precise Location:
   Fulton Street Station (21202), Lower Manhattan, on platform for 2/3 trains.

2. Community Connection:

   “We ride everyday trusting safety—this shattered that.” – MTA commuter, Downtown Manhattan.

Exclusive Angle

• WHY THIS MATTERS NOW:
  The case underscores failures in parole supervision and transit safety protocols amid rising reports of violent subway assaults.

Valdez—who had a prior 2020 conviction for stabbing a woman and her young daughter—was out on parole when the horrific attack occurred. On the morning of March 9, 2024, he and his girlfriend got into a heated argument on the 2/3 platform at Fulton Street Station. Witnesses saw him violently shove her into the path of an arriving train. She was found underneath the train by first responders and rushed to Bellevue Hospital, where both legs were amputated. She also sustained multiple rib fractures and a potentially life-threatening pulmonary embolism.

At sentencing in late July 2025, Blake delivered a poignant speech from a motorized chair:

“An iteration of me was murdered that day. One that could feel the earth beneath her feet,” she said.
She spoke of mourning “the life that I lived with my feet,” reflecting on simple sensations now lost.

DA Bragg emphasized accountability, noting Valdez’s parole violation and the severe repercussions of his violent act:

“It offers her some sense of justice.” He added that New York takes domestic violence on its transit system very seriously.

Valdez will serve the full 18-year sentence, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a full protective order is now in place for Blake. The case has renewed calls for stricter oversight of parolees and safer protocols for domestic violence victims, especially in public transit environments.

Update Log

•  Jul 29, 2025: Valdez sentenced to 18 years and victim impact statement delivered.

•  5 years supervised release and full protection order issued.