Edwin Thomas (bus driver)
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Edwin Thomas (1962 - December 1, 2008) was an American New York City bus driver who was murdered on December 1, 2008 by a passenger who became infuriated that Thomas refused to give him a free transfer because the former did not pay his fare. This was the first slaying of a New York City bus driver in more than 27 years.[1]
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[edit] The Murder
According to the NY Daily News, a tall, skinny man later identified to be paroled ex-convict Horace Moore[2], whom witnesses to the murder described to be approximately 35 years of age boarded the B46 bus in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. The man slid in an invalid MetroCard in the fare box two or three times, and despite it being rejected, he wordlessly took a seat next to a woman. Thomas, who was following rules to avoid confrontations, acquiesced and said nothing. However, at the Malcolm X Boulevard stop, when Moore asked Thomas for a transfer at Gates Avenue, Thomas refused, stating that Moore did not pay his fare. Outraged, Moore punched Thomas twice before exiting the bus, but immediately returned and began to stab Thomas with a sharp object. Despite passengers intervening and two men chasing the assailant as he fled, Thomas was pronounced dead by the time he arrived to the hospital.[3]
[edit] Response to the murder
The New York City Police Department, Transport Workers Union, and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority each posted a $12,000 reward for any tips leading to the arrest and conviction of the killer.[4]
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg condemned the killing and expressed his condolences to the Thomas family, stating, "In Edwin's memory, I ask all New Yorkers riding public transit tonight or tomorrow to take an extra moment to say 'thank you' to our New York City Transit workers. I ask everyone to keep Edwin Thomas' family and loved ones in your prayers."[3] New York Governor David Paterson also expressed his condolences.[1]
His funeral was held in Queens, New York on December 9, 2008. That day there were calls to change the policy regarding how drivers are expected to handle unpaid fares, and to improve their safety.[5]
On December 9, an arrest in the case was announced. It was announced that Horace D. Moore was arrested and charged with murder.[6]
On October 7, 2010 Horace Moore was convicted of the stabbing murder Thomas.[7] The case was prosecuted by Kings Country Assistant District Attorney Julie B Rendelman, of the elite Homicide bureau.
On October 19, 2010 Horace Moore was sentenced to 20years to life.[8]
[edit] Personal life
Thomas was a native of Haiti who immigrated to the United States in 1981 and settled in Brooklyn New York. He was the divorced father of an 18 year old son and a 16 year old daughter. His son, Jeffrey Thomas, stated, “He was a good dad; he always looked out for me. [We were] like the best of friends. We shared all our secrets and laughter.”[1]
Co-workers described Thomas as a hard worker who frequently worked overtime.[1]
[edit] References
- ^ a b c d McFadden, Robert D. (2008-12-02). "Rider Fatally Stabs City Bus Driver and Flees". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/02/nyregion/02driver.html?_r=1&ref=nyregion. Retrieved 2010-04-01.
- ^ Hauser, Christine (2008-12-02). "Man Is Arrested in Death of Brooklyn Bus Driver". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/03/nyregion/03arrest.html.
- ^ a b "New York City: Bus Driver Edwin Thomas Stabbed To Death After Refusing Free Transfer | World News | Sky News". News.sky.com. http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/New-York-City-Bus-Driver-Edwin-Thomas-Stabbed-To-Death-After-Refusing-Free-Transfer/Article/200812115170554?lpos=World_News_Second_Home_Page_Article_Teaser_Region_6&lid=ARTICLE_15170554_New_York_City%3A_Bus_Driver_Edwin_Thomas_Stabbed_To_Death_After_Refusing_Free_Transfer. Retrieved 2009-04-01.
- ^ "Edwin Thomas: Bus driver Edwin Thomas killed, reward offered · Celebgalz.com :: Hottest World News Updated Daily". Celebgalz.com. 2008-12-02. http://celebgalz.com/edwin-thomas-bus-driver-edwin-thomas-killed-reward-offered/. Retrieved 2009-04-01.
- ^ Donohue, Pete; Yaniv, Oren (2008-12-09). "Buses come to standstill to honor slain driver Edwin Thomas". New York: Nydailynews.com. http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2008/12/08/2008-12-08_buses_come_to_standstill_to_honor_slain_.html. Retrieved 2009-04-01.
- ^ Hauser, Christine (2008-12-03). "Man Is Arrested in Death of Brooklyn Bus Driver". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/03/nyregion/03arrest.html?em. Retrieved 2010-04-01.
- ^ http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Conviction-in-Fatal-Brooklyn-Bus-Driver-Stab-104518149.html
- ^ http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=news/local&id=7733756
