Man Sentenced to 26 Years for Christmas Day Stabbing of Teen Tourists at Grand Central Terminal
A New York City man who brutally attacked two teenage tourists from Paraguay inside Grand Central Terminal on Christmas Day 2023 has been sentenced to more than 26 years in prison, officials confirmed on Friday.
Esteban Esono-Asue, 38, also known as Steven Hutcherson, was convicted in June on multiple charges, including assault. A Manhattan judge ordered him to serve 26 to 29 years in prison for the violent and seemingly unprovoked attack, which left one of the victims with serious internal injuries.
According to prosecutors, the incident unfolded just before 11:30 a.m. on December 25, 2023. Esono-Asue was seated at a café table inside Grand Central Terminal when he first scratched a woman’s neck with a fork. He then escalated the violence, producing a knife and stabbing a 16-year-old girl in the back and a 14-year-old girl in the leg.
Both victims were Paraguayan tourists visiting the iconic New York landmark with family. The 16-year-old sustained injuries to her lung and diaphragm, while the younger teen was also treated for her wounds. Thankfully, both girls survived the attack.
After the stabbings, Esono-Asue dropped the knife and surrendered to police at the scene without further resistance.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg addressed the sentencing in a statement, emphasizing the trauma the young victims continue to endure.
“My thoughts remain with the victims and their loved ones, who continue to navigate the psychological and emotional effects from this horrific attack,” Bragg said. “New Yorkers, commuters and tourists rely on the transit system daily and deserve to be safe when they travel.”
Bragg added that his office will continue to hold individuals accountable for violent acts, especially in public spaces like transit hubs.
Motive Still Unclear
Authorities have not established a clear motive behind the attack. However, witnesses reported hearing Esono-Asue make derogatory comments about white people shortly before the assault. This led to initial charges of attempted murder and assault as hate crimes, though the hate crime charges were later dropped during the trial process.
Esono-Asue’s attorney, Michael Fineman, did not respond to media inquiries following the sentencing.
Court documents reveal that just weeks before the Christmas Day stabbing, Esono-Asue had pleaded guilty to a separate assault charge stemming from a November 2023 incident in which he threatened another man. He was given a conditional discharge in that case—meaning no jail time unless he reoffended.
Less than a month later, the Grand Central attack occurred, drawing sharp criticism about missed opportunities for earlier intervention.
Ongoing Concerns About Transit Safety
The incident added to growing public concern about safety in New York City’s transit system, especially in high-traffic hubs like Grand Central Terminal.
Transit advocates and city officials have pointed to this case as a chilling example of how untreated mental health issues and prior violent behavior can culminate in tragedy when not adequately addressed by the justice system.
The sentencing has brought some closure to the victims and their families, but the psychological scars remain. Paraguayan officials expressed gratitude for the swift response by New York City police and medical teams but said they remain concerned about the welfare of their citizens abroad.
Looking Ahead
Esono-Asue will serve his sentence in a New York state correctional facility. His earliest possible release would be after 26 years, assuming good behavior and other factors. He will likely be in his mid-60s before he is eligible for parole.
The families of the teenage victims have not made public statements since the sentencing, but sources close to the case said they were “relieved” to see justice served.
Grand Central Terminal has since increased its security presence, particularly during holidays, in response to the incident.
