Family of Hollywood Subway Stabbing Victim to Sue MTA

The mother of a 59-year-old man stabbed to death aboard a Metro Red Line train in Hollywood last month announced today that she is filing a claim against the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

The claim, a precursor to a lawsuit, alleges the MTA failed to have adequate security; allows passenger cars to be overloaded; does not adequately monitor security cameras; and failed to take adequate emergency procedures after the stabbing.

"He was a very good son to me,'' Janie Garay said at a news conference alongside her lawyer, Michael Alder. "I miss him a lot.''

The claim seeks damages for funeral and burial expenses as well as pain and suffering and loss of companionship, according to Alder.

The MTA declined to comment.

Jesse Garay was stabbed on Aug. 19 after a dispute with a fellow passenger aboard a northbound Red Line train headed toward the Hollywood and Vine stop, authorities said.

His alleged assailant, Gene Sim, was arrested Aug. 23 in Buena Park.

No charges have been filed against the 33-year-old transient, who is being held without bail on an alleged probation violation.

He has a Sept. 29 court date on that case in Torrance. The fatal stabbing — the first killing aboard the Red Line since the subway opened in 1993 — occurred on a Friday night.

Investigators said that before the stabbing, the suspect and the victim had been involved in an altercation in front of other passengers.

"The victim, who was in possession of a plastic chain, began to swing the chain at the suspect,'' sheriff's Sgt. Rich Pena said earlier. "The suspect hit the victim in the head with a skateboard, then stabbed the victim in the chest, killing him.''

Garay collapsed inside the train compartment and died at the scene.

— City News Service

Related: ABC7 filed this video report on Friday.

Follow us on Twitter and add us on Facebook for more updates and Hollywood news and tips.