Jesse Garay, 59

Died Aug. 19, 2011

Jesse Garay, a 59-year-old Latino, was stabbed to death Friday, Aug. 19, on the Metro Red Line in the 6200 block of Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

The stabbing occurred just before 7:30 p.m. Witnesses, including a Los Angeles Times staff writer, said a confrontation broke out on the crowded train when Garay began swinging a chain at a younger rider, later identified as Gene Sim.

As they argued, Sim pulled out a knife and stabbed Garay, witnesses said.

Passengers rushed to the other end of the car as the victim fell to the ground.

“Kids were crying. Blood was everywhere," said Todd Martens, a Times staff writer who witnessed the attack.

Sim, 33, fled the train after it came to a stop at the Hollywood/Vine Station, Martens said.

But authorities were able to obtain surveillance footage to help identify the assailant.

Sim was taken into custody Aug. 23 in Buena Park, officials with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said.

He was booked in connection with a probation violation and was being held without bail. Sim was described by sheriff's officials as a transient.

Murder charges against him are pending, said Sgt. Diane Hecht, who was unsure of the exact nature of his alleged probation violation.

The slaying was the first to occur on the line since its opening in 1993.

Anyone with information about the killing is asked to contact the sheriff's homicide bureau at (323) 890-5500. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

— Sam Allen