High school senior sentenced to over 5 years for subway arson

Judge Lewis J. Liman imposed a sentence exceeding the mandatory minimum after Carrero pleaded guilty in March to arson. The early morning fire on December 1, 2025, occurred amid a series of attacks involving people being set on fire on public transit nationwide.

Prosecutors had requested a sentence of up to eight years, describing Carrero's actions as 'heinous' and an attempt to 'kill a sleeping, homeless man by burning him alive.' They noted the victim suffered critical injuries, permanent scarring, and disfigurement, and was only saved by the quick response of emergency personnel.

In their submission, prosecutors stated the crime was 'separated from murder by mere chance' and were critical of Carrero's explanation that he had been drinking and smoking marijuana.

Carrero's defense lawyer, Jennifer Brown, highlighted his difficult past, including being born prematurely with drugs in his system and being abandoned by his biological parents. She also noted his intellectual challenges and that the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted his schooling. Brown stated that Carrero feels 'profound shame and remorse.'