WILLIAMSBURG, Brooklyn (PIX11) — Jordan Williams nodded “yes” to reporters gathered outside the 90th NYPD Precinct on Wednesday, suggesting he acted in self-defense Tuesday night when he allegedly stabbed a man to death on the subway in Brooklyn.
“He was defending himself and others,” said criminal defense attorney Jason Goldman.
This is Williams’ first brush with the law, according to the NYPD. Goldman said the 20-year-old Queens man protected his girlfriend and others onboard a J train around 8 p.m.
Police said the 36-year-old man who died, Devictor Ouedraogo, had been acting belligerent and violent.
“It’s very clear some action was necessary and justified at that time,” said Goldman.
Ouedraogo had been experiencing homelessness and was an ex-con, according to state records.
Goldman believes this case is very similar to the controversial case involving Daniel Penny and Jordan Neely on the subway in May.
“He shouldn’t be a lost number going to Rikers Island like other people that look like him, young Black kids. As opposed to Mr. Penny, who looks different,” Goldman said.
Meanwhile, transit crime is down by 7%, according to recent NYPD figures. It’s still a top priority for city and state leaders to continue to drive the numbers in that direction — something straphangers are also desperate to see because some say they still don’t feel it.
“You have to have eyes on the back of your head,” said subway rider Jesus Chavez.
On Thursday, Williams was arraigned and released on a $100,000 bond on supervised release.
PIX11 News spoke with Williams’ mom, who said:
On June 13, 2023, Jordan Williams, my son, was involved in an altercation on a subway where he acted with courage to defend himself and passengers from a physically violent, reckless, and deranged individual. Jordan has been born and raised in Wayside Baptist Church, he is a high school graduate and an avid basketball player – lover of the sport! He is soft-spoken and respectful of those in his community and his elders. The heartbreak over these events have taken us by storm BUT our faith remains stronger than ever.
Why should Jordan have to suffer at Rikers Island and fight his case from a cage when he defended individuals on that train from danger which was already taking place. He should not suffer because he can not afford bail on a case where he simply was justified in the actions he took. Simply stated, these cases have become all too familiar in NYC, and this situation resembles that of Daniel Penny – who is out on bail and able to defend himself freely. We just pray for that same opportunity!!!!
April Williams
