Torched Alive In A Token Booth While Travelers Watched - Subway Stories: The Story Of Harry Kaufman
On November 26th of 1995, Transit Authority Token Booth Clerk Harry Kaufman was working an overtime shift at the Kingston-Throop Avs station in Brooklyn, New York. His night was going normal until he was approached by men who had terrible intentions. His life would be taken in a savage torching of his token booth, in a crime that sparked major fear, outrage and safety concerns all across New York City. The Hollywood motion picture "Money Train", featuring Wesley Snipes, Woody Harrelson and Jennifer Lopez was blamed for the entire thing, but was this movie really to blame? Three innocent men would go to prison for decades for the crime after dirty tactics and coercion were used to get false confessions. They had nothing to do with it. My heart and positive thoughts go out to those wrongfully accused, who are now fully exonerated. My heartfelt condolences go out to the family of Harry Kaufman as well is his colleagues and loved ones. Rest In Peace Harry Kaufman. You aren't forgotten.
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These people extracting false confessions need to serve prison terms themselves. Some prosecutors need to be locked up.
This case is so upsetting. From what happened to this poor man, to these innocent men spending their entire youth in prison for something they didn’t do, to the real perpetrators getting away with it. I’m so angry right now.
@lindaarrington9397
4 ай бұрын
I'm with you I didn't know exactly what I was feeling but u hit the nail on the head I'm just plain sad and mad This poor innocent man and I'm just starting so They put the wrong people in prison 4 it???? Don't know if I can watch it all.im also getting an upset stomic
@tinawindham6958
4 ай бұрын
Stomach 👍🏻
@adrukova1407
4 ай бұрын
I remember this case. I was a freshman in HS & all the parents were so scared that we had to travel thru subway . NYC was a scary place in the 80s/90s.
@sharrielee911
4 ай бұрын
So the police just so happened to pick these three out of a crowd🤔 there's some factual evidence here has to why.. is because how were they implicated in the first place I'm thinking they knew who did it and just wasn't talking just take the punishment with a grain of salt...and now the real killers or killer were never caught to this day all due to LAZY police work wow what a time we live in😠 even if there's witness who saw this it's NY in December it's freezing there especially at night and it's not even officially winter yet it's fall🤔everyone were wear big coats hats scarves gloves like how did they get pinched when you can't see there faces or even no the color nor male or female makes complete sense to me🤔 anyway I'm upset because it ended by the police not giving a fuck about this incredible man just trying to make an honest living for his family for them to go to the lengths of just picking anyone off the street and say"he or they did it" with no actual proof just forced and coerced confessions 😏my deepest condolences goes out to his family.. rest in paradise Mr Kaufman gone but never forgotten 🙏🏽😇🙏🏽🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
@sharrielee911
4 ай бұрын
Same here... I couldn't watch it without gritting my teeth on how bad the police handle this case 😠it's truly disgusting to say the least... SMFH 🤬
You are such an eloquent, respectful and concise true story teller.
@EvilIntentions
4 ай бұрын
Thank you so much for the kind words.
@alison4316
4 ай бұрын
@@EvilIntentions Thank YOU for your hard work and dedication to the victims of these horrific crimes ❤
@LauraLou82
4 ай бұрын
So true. I wish he had a podcast
@OriginalSilver416
4 ай бұрын
Couldn't have said it better myself. Much Love & Respect from Toronto! ❤
@ebenson4778
4 ай бұрын
I agree 👍
It takes a sadistic monster to set someone on fire.
@marthaperdew
Ай бұрын
PURE EVIL 😈!!!!
You have pure talent in telling stories and showing respect to the victims. As well as not sugarcoating anything. Much respect!!!
@EvilIntentions
4 ай бұрын
I really appreciate that! Thank you!
In addition to all compliments about the narrator’s storytelling, I also think it’s the sound of his voice that plays a major part in the growing number of new subscribers. It’s soothing and calming but at the same time keeping the listener intrigued to hear more.
@GargoyleCaboose
4 ай бұрын
I was going to comment the same thing. His voice is warm, soothing and calm. I feel the same way about Shrouded Hand 😊
@lobotaxfree
4 ай бұрын
She aint lyin!
@Clean-N-ShineInDfw
4 ай бұрын
I agree
@IReminisceNYC
4 ай бұрын
Facts! 💜
Harry Kaufman embodied self-sacrifice for his family and a great work ethic for his career. He worked hard at the subway among many previous jobs to ensure his family, especially his adolescent son, led their best possible lives. It is such a tragedy that feral savages would dare to deprive him of constantly being the best patriarch he could be to his family. Equally sad is how three young men ended up being wrongfully indicted for a murder they never committed in the first place until they were exonerated eighteen years later. It just shows how one horrific tragedy can snowball into another tragedy that drags people to perdition until it is too late. May Harry Kaufman rest in peace. I wish solidarity and love to his family. I also hope that the exonerated three find peace and stability within themselves.
@powerfully_confident1739
4 ай бұрын
@operaanimelover, your well-written comment has me teary-eyed.🥺 I agree with every word. However, Luv, hold on to your britches *(I’m not sure why I said or where I got britches from, lol).* But, if I’m not mistaken, the exonerated three served either 30 years or close to it. Unbelievable! I can’t even imagine. And poor, sweet Harry Kaufman should not have the amount of pain he experienced. It’s so unfair. Harry lost time to spend many more years with his wife and family. Tomorrow is not a promise, as we are aware. But, it was not those men call to take a life, and for what? They are all disgusting and have changed the trajectory of people’s lives. Do they even care?😔What those monsters did is vile, heinous, and unforgivable. ~Blessings~😊🫶🏾✌🏾
@JadedBelle
4 ай бұрын
@@powerfully_confident1739This occurred in 1995....
@LeftHookDeadly280
3 ай бұрын
😢@@JadedBelle
This man was my mothers close friends father. This heinous act devastated the family. Never got a chance to meet him unfortunately, but I vividly remember my mother telling me the story as a kid and showing me the article in the Daily News. Thank you for telling these stories. They’re an important piece of the city’s history that often goes overlooked or becomes a footnote in NYC history.
@thisisHowHedidit
4 ай бұрын
😢😢💔💔🙏🏾🙏🏾😇😇
@career5690
4 ай бұрын
How is his family doing have you ever spent time with them?
Your work never fails to move me. Your respect for the victims is unmatched by any other creator.
@EvilIntentions
4 ай бұрын
Thanks so much
@lobotaxfree
4 ай бұрын
FACTS
That officer needs to be in prison for stealing parts of those mens lives and robbing the family of justice
I just read your opening statement from the home page. If they didn't have a voice before, they will always have one here. That is so touching.
@JackJackIsBackBack
4 ай бұрын
What do you mean by reading the opening statement from the homepage? Like his video came up in your feed?
@barbaralamson7450
4 ай бұрын
@@JackJackIsBackBack No.
@carolinebrennan3864
4 ай бұрын
@@barbaralamson7450 😆 😂
Heartbreaking that someone died from such a gruesome and heinous act. It's even more heartbreaking that the suspects haven't been found and that innocent victims had to serve time behind bars. This story also tells the story of the unjust justice system we still have to this day.
This story had me crying long before it got to the part about the innocent men being framed for the crime. So, the diabolical monster that committed the crime was never caught?!
Continuing too provide a voice for those that have lost their lives through senseless and horrific events.. "RIP Harry Gone But Never Forgotten."
Its so heartbreaking all the way around! The horrible and devastating loss of Harry. Not only the loss of Harry but loss of the three gentlemen that were viciously condemned and spent 30 years in prison! I cant even fathom spending a night in prison but 30 years is utterly mind-blowing. I hope they are able to live the rest of their lives in peace, love, happiness and a FAT check (although no amount of $ can or will make up for the time lost)!! Looking at Harry's pictures you can see what a sweet and kind soul he had! WHY ARE PEOPLE SO DAMNED CRUEL?
@robertmiller5516
4 ай бұрын
A fat check for what? Were they not guilty? Did they not burn a man to death?
@CinnCity78
4 ай бұрын
@@robertmiller5516did you even listen to the story?🙄They were wrongly convicted and that’s why they were released. The fact that two other village ding bats liked your idiotic comment is a trip🥴
@JadedBelle
4 ай бұрын
@@robertmiller5516They were not guilty. Did you not watch the video?
@Justheretoview1988
4 ай бұрын
He clearly didn't watch the video, those men were falsely convicted and it was overturned you dummy.
@Justheretoview1988
4 ай бұрын
He clearly didn't watch the video
I never understood why investigators would want to convict someone who didn’t do it. That’s not real justice.
@EvilIntentions
4 ай бұрын
They get all the praise and promotions. Disgusting.
@intriguinghuman
4 ай бұрын
@@EvilIntentions sad smh
@d.y.h.w.
4 ай бұрын
Law enforcement here. They get kickbacks for conviction rates, just like district attorneys do.
@CarlainNewYork
3 ай бұрын
That is just getting the case off their hands and act like they did real police work. Neither do they want to use funds for certain cases. Sad sad true
@sharphudson5592
3 ай бұрын
They wanted promotion, pay raise, and praises while being a incompetent detectives. They're just like those criminals who doesn't care whose life and family they will destroy, just to get what they wanted.
Growing up in the 90s I remember crackheads, thugs and bums always messing with the people who worked in the token booth. People who didn’t grow up in this time do not understand how bad crime was back then, most ppl didn’t have cell phones to call for help….you had no service underground.
@EvilIntentions
4 ай бұрын
It was no mans land. Them treks from upper west to far rockaway used to be long and dramatic for no reason.
@snowman4008
4 ай бұрын
Same thing goes on today.
@teekolinski491
4 ай бұрын
Guliani was in the process of cleaning up the city (which he did a damn good job btw). The recession of the 70s and the crack filled 80s really turned NYC into a dilapidated war zone. I grew up out on Long Island but I had family in the boroughs and would always date guys in the city so I remember. Coming off the LIRR to transfer to the subway and tucking in my jewelry. Lol. Good times 😂
@WorldstagedTv
4 ай бұрын
Facts
@career5690
4 ай бұрын
Trust me I know! As a little girl I had to hold people hands walking around in the streets it was that dangerous.
As a New Yorker born and raised in the Bronx & obsessed with true crime, I love your page and the history you give behind the stories as well. I have all of your notifications on and don't miss a video lol
@EvilIntentions
4 ай бұрын
Thank you so much for tuning in!
Dam people are so sick! Like why? Why make someone suffer like that for no damn reason! I do not understand why people want to hurt innocent people!
@EvilIntentions
4 ай бұрын
It's terrible. No rhyme or reason.
@jasonv2323
4 ай бұрын
@@EvilIntentions I love your content my man
@jameshlightseyiii5930
4 ай бұрын
Sickening and pathetic.
Money from NYC won’t fix what these brothers suffered. In a just world, give these 3 men 28 minutes in a room with that detective. No furniture, no cameras, no windows. Just 3 native NYers with brand new constructs on……and a dirty cop. #NowThatsJustice
I remember when this happened. Many of these stories would be forgitten if not for you. Terrible tragedy that changed the lives of Harry's family, the wrongfully accused and prompted one of many of the first subway system changes.
Good job big bro. A angel indeed. Thank you for recognizing the innocent and the brave. RIP😢❤
@EvilIntentions
4 ай бұрын
Thank you!
@Kitkac80
4 ай бұрын
Thank big bro awesome job keep em coming. A big fan. God bless you
@lorettasearcy1471
3 ай бұрын
This is so incredibly sad 😔,praying for his family,friends and colleagues,and everyone who knew and loved him. R.I.P Sir.
I still want to know who did this to this man.
I will NEVER, EVER understand certain authorities not wanting to get the right people for wrongdoings. It's mind boggling that they think to themselves we don't want these crimes to happen to anyone else, we want the right people behind bars because the community needs to be safe or even if they don't think about that think to themselves, I don't want this to happen to someome I love. Rest in paradise Mr. Kaufman 🌺
@CinnCity78
4 ай бұрын
When they don’t GAF about said community and just want a closed case, it’s easy as pie.
@lindawatts5731
4 ай бұрын
Exactly, I will never understand, especially since the real killers are still out there. 🤬🤬
@wellfuckyoumr
4 ай бұрын
The more cases you close, the more money you make, the faster you get promoted, the faster you retire. Some people don’t care about the fall out of sending innocent men to jail.
@Naturefan354
3 ай бұрын
Yeah but these men could still be guilty tho...?And I thought it was weird how the men said "We know who did it and NYCPD know who did it."? 🤔 Like if your totally innocent I would imagine you wouldn't have any involvement or knowledge on the case? And if you ask the police who worked this case its possible they may still believe these men are guilty so who knows the real truth
Damn them brothers did 30 yrs..WTF...I hope they sued NYPD
@Ontheroxxwithsalt
3 ай бұрын
If you lay down with dogs, you get fleas. The brothers may have been innocent but obviously they were linked to the criminal life and thus they got pulled into something they never bargained for. If you play with fire you will eventually get burned.
Burnt alive, my biggest fear, I love to listen to your awesome gentle caring voice 😢
I grew up watching Unsolved Mysteries with my grandmother if she were still here I’m certain this would be one of her favorite channels 🙏🏽
I remember this. This happened right after I seen Money Train. I was still living in Fort Greene Projects
You have a wonderful way of telling people's stories paying respect and humility while keeping it 💯 with the truth
@PA_Cheddar
4 ай бұрын
I agree, voice,cadence,and story telling is a must and this guy really has it! Great work , from Woodhaven, Queens!
@EvilIntentions
4 ай бұрын
Thanks a lot for the kind words. Always appreciated!
@diamondonpurpose9145
4 ай бұрын
Well said. Agreed👍🏾
So who is the supposed person that confessed and the police let go?? Very sad and disturbing. RIP
That poem at the end….broke my heart❤ RIP to the victim mentioned in this story . And sending much love and strength to his family. Years may go by, but I’m sure he is never forgotten.
To think that whoever really did this is still walking around makes me sick. That poor man and his family. May Mr. Kaufman rest in peace. I hope his son fared well.🙏🏾
Very excited, the subway series is now posted. I look forward to your awesome storytelling while paying homage to the victims.
@EvilIntentions
4 ай бұрын
Thank you for tuning in!
I still have some subway tokens, NYTA! Excellent work from Woodhaven,Queens
This makes me feel like crying. Just looking in his eyes, you can see the kindness and integrity. Im at least happy, he had a wonderful family life while growing up and then found love having his own loving family. Terrible. Poor man. I hope his family has managed to heal after this atrocity.❤
My sympathy goes out to Harry's widow and his children and grandchildren that will never get to know the love and honor and compassion their grandfather embodied and to all his friends and co-workers may Harry R.I.P and I pray one day that the monsters responsible for his death are caught and punished to the fullest extent of the law and that the judge and jury keep in mind all the loss pain and suffering all his loved ones are still going through and will go through for the rest of their lives and also keep in mind the pain and fear that poor Harry had to endure till he took his last breath and God took him home....Amen!!!
It was heartbreaking on both sides. Rest In Power Harry
How heartbreaking and terrifying that we live in such a cruel city. You do an amazing job telling us these harrowing tales so we may not forget those so harshly ripped away from this world. Thank you.
Great video thanks for the upload mano. My dad was a clerk from 1958 until his death in 1980 he started off working the 11p-7a shift at 116th on the 2 line he'd take me when i was a kid he'd also get held up quite a bit because they did have bp booths in the 60s. He finally had the senority that put him closer to the projects I was born n raised in Eastchester Gardens. 2 line Burke Ave 5 line Gun Hill Rd Looking forward to more subway stories
The only thing I can say is that they're sick Evil bastards RIP Harry 😢🙏🙏🙏the way you deal with these stories/situations is done very well and with compassion and you can tell through the tone of your voice that you genuinely care, thank you
I was not going to watch this episode because I know what my mental state can handle and fire never sits well with me, but I did not expect for this story to flip and be such a great travesty on so many levels! Mr. Kaufman lost his life in a very brutal way and for no reason at all. The 3 men who suffered at the hand of the so-called justice system. Mr. Kaufman's family gets to suffer again due to the laziness and unprofessionalism of the justice system as no new suspects are charged with the crime. This story took a crazy turn. It's sad how the police can abuse their titles. Ruin peoples lives. Make people suffer again and again and they are never held accountable. Thank you so much for telling this story.
Evening bro I remember a lot of these stories living in Brooklyn man how times have changed nyc is different place today then what it was back then many some many sad stories and events nyc is much much more safe today people have no idea
Thank you once again for such a moving tribute to someone who lost their life senselessly..RIP Mr. Kaufman.
Sad story😢
@EvilIntentions
4 ай бұрын
Very sad. May he always rest in peace.
There aren’t many guys voices I can close my eyes and drift off to apart from yours. Obviously I re-listen during my waking up time. ☺️
Another soul gone to violence and a family left with no justice. I don’t know how that family feels but to know that the “accused” would be released many years later would leave me so unsettled. I hate that he suffered. The trauma …has to be too much. My sincere condolences to the families affected by this senseless tragedy.
I love how u tell the stories the right way and u always give the victims a voice n show them respect
Thanks for giving a voice to Mr Kaufman and for speaking on the innocent men that were eventually exonerated- although they spent way too many years behind bars for a crime they didn't commit!!
Subway stories . The voice , details and respect . Amazing! #brooklyn🇵🇷
Man I remember this. I was 13 living in Brooklyn. May God rest his soul. Thank you for telling his story.
RIP Harry. As a New Yorker, I never knew this story. Thank you for telling it so eloquently. ❤
I appreciate all your work. I vaguely remember this case. I can’t believe I’m just learning this update. I know the family is hurting but these men lost so much time. My daughter is 24 so it’s her whole life plus a year. Much respect to you and all the work you put into these documentaries. RIp to Harry. I just lost my uncle fire so I knows the hurt except someone took his life Andrew faced no consequences.
That's tragic all the way around, I pray those men can find peace in their hearts & Harrys family
What a tragedy all around. Rest in peace, Harry.
I don’t understand how the people watching wouldn’t intervene
@EvilIntentions
4 ай бұрын
I'm sure shock had a lot to do with it.
@jasonv2323
4 ай бұрын
@@EvilIntentions that’s true
@delesa08
4 ай бұрын
How do you put out a fire with your bare hands?
Thank u for sharing another story with us, u are appreciated . Always condolences to the families, an this family .😔🙏❤️
I went to high school with his son. I still remember how sad I got after reading about this in the newspaper and seeing my classmate's picture.
Waiting for the Vetrano girl's case to be reopened in Howard Beach, Queens. Her dad killed her, but they blamed a mentally handicapped young black man.
I remember this story. It was around the same time movies like The Money Train and New York Undercover would add burning booth to there stories. Leading to copy cats to do the same. Rip Harry Kaufman ❤
I remember hearing this story a few years ago and it still breaks my heart to this day. Mr. Kaufman did not deserve that at all 😢 Jose, thank you for your gift of storytelling. As much as I don’t like hearing these stories, your voice easily keeps me listening. That’s a pure gift. Thank you 🙏🏽
Thank you for this video, you always display a voice for the victims. 🙏🏽🕊️💜
@EvilIntentions
4 ай бұрын
Thank you I appreciate that!
I had that same poem in my Daddy’s obituary. This was so sad and senseless.
Genius series- Subway stories. Salute & Respect !! A huge thank you from across the Hudson River
It's crazy how that P.O.S was able to retire after ruining other peoples lives. Like the jury and the lawyers must have been a little slow smh. R.I.P to Harry. I really hope that the people who did that to you are rotting in hell.
One of the exonerated said “he told them he did it but they kept him hidden” or whatever. I wonder who he’s talking about... 🤔
I heard a rumor that kids of influential people did this. Got covered up. patsies taken.
@YAH-1
4 ай бұрын
I would believe that 👍🏾
I remember this. The movie Money Train had came out, and they were blaming the movie. This wasn't the only time it happened, but this was the worst in years. Also, a lot of ppl were being pushed on the train tracks that year and the following year
I live in Washington DC area and commute to work via metro everyday. It’s like a second nature to me. Despite DC still being an unsafe city I rather always feel okay even alone in the train. I cannot say the same thing about NYC Subway. There is always something eerie about it. In addition to reading about various crimes and unfortunate incidents resulting in deaths Could it also be because it’s one of the oldest subway systems in the world?
Wow youve gotta be a sick and cruel person to inflict that torture on another human being 😢
I couldn't do this one... just the title of being burnt alive😢 but definitely will watch the next and I enjoy your channel.
i love your channel for many reasons but the number one reason is because i was born and raised in new york... specifically the 5 boroughs.. and i've always been into true crime since i popped out the womb, and i've never heard any of the stories or anything about the victims. i love how all of your videos are about NYC crimes. i always get so hyped when i see you uploaded a new video!
Well done. Much respect to the family and RIP Mr. Kauffman.
Goodness, what are horrific way to die and how evil someone has to be to do this to another person. I can't wrap my head around it, I just can't. I don't think most people could. Also, you did a wonderful job with this video. You definitely have talent!
omg man poor guy just tryna make a decent living 😞
i do remember this unfortunate incident, the subways were wild back then , probably worse today .. great job on the video
This story is extremely heartbreaking for all involved. So upsetting that whoever did this was never caught. The poem at the end was beautiful, and made me think of my father who passed away last year. 😢
Those poor young men. I hope their lives have been good for them since they were exonerated. 🙏
Your way of telling stories is top tier, my brother 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
A narrator that can speak clearly I give you 100% respect❤
I’m not from New York but I thank you for allowing these families to find some type of peace and keep us on our toes. We can’t move though the future if you don’t know the past! Thank you brotha✊🏾 and peace, comfort, strength to the family’s that lost loved ones! ✊🏾❤️
Poor Harry he didn't deserve that
I was born and raised in the Bronx, I remember this horrible case.
Terrible set of circumstances for everyone involved 😢
my condolences to the family no words can describe the pain this caused in that family
You would win an Emmy if the ID channel put you on their network. If they don’t they will start taking your ideas. Great work . Best show on KZread
Born and raised in Brooklyn NY Kingston and throop is my stop never knew something happened there I was bout 5 when this happen
Jose, you did it again. I tune in every time. Thank you for all you do. Thank you for keeping the victims name alive. Thank you for putting this together. Please take time for yourself as well. I know retelling these crimes can't be easy. Take care of yourself. Thank you again.
Something about you is just so kind and I love the way you tell stories with so much respect and love for the victims and families. Thank you for sharing these videos and stories, especially the ones about children, you’re really doing an amazing job❤
@EvilIntentions
4 ай бұрын
Thank you so much for the kind words. I appreciate it!
Sooo superbly done! What a tribute!! Thank you for all that you do!
I remember this one, hits home because the station is about 30 minutes away walking.
I remember this story.I'm mad and sad this happened to this worker. Rip Harry.🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
I remember this like it was yesterday. What a horrible senseless way to pass. I just don’t understand the stupidity behind this? Thank you for always respectfully telling these tragic stories. 🙏🏽 To his family and friends.
Thank-you for your continuous coverage on such harrowing stories.
Great narrator I love listening to you. It's so relaxing
Truly a remarkable story well told. So sad and truly devastating. Brings back memories to when I lived in New York taking subways to go to work, so many cruel and evil things happen during my living in New York. Continue to rest in peace Harry and all those who went thru this tragic deaf. 😢 🎉 Thank you for your talent and respect you show to families. I also don't miss an episode. Thank you respectfully, always .
🥲 heart breaking ! I Thank you for sharing these stories
Love the production bro, thanks
Your respect for the families and odds those hurt is beautiful and your way if telling the story is perfectly perfect
I will always tune in !Love your channel! Much love & Blessings to you!!
Awesome work… ty for the great content as sad and tragic as it may be.