A Maryland man has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for a shocking and tragic crime at a Baltimore subway station. Joseph White, 41, was found guilty of second-degree murder after pushing another man, Christopher Foster, 28, onto the electrified third rail, killing him instantly.
The horrifying incident happened on April 12, 2023, at the Shot Tower subway station in Baltimore. According to police, Foster was standing near the edge of the platform when White suddenly pushed him from behind. Foster fell onto the tracks, making contact with the high-voltage third rail. Instead of helping or calling for help, White ran away.
Authorities quickly launched an investigation, and surveillance footage revealed the chilling details of what happened. The video showed White pushing Foster not once, but twice, ensuring that he fell onto the tracks.
Foster’s mother, Carole Fields, was heartbroken and furious. Before an arrest was made, she spoke about her pain and anger, saying she wanted justice for her son. “I was so angry that someone played God with my son’s life,” she said. “I want to see that person be caught and be accountable for his actions. I want to see him pay for what he did.”
After a month-long search, police tracked White down at a hotel in New York City and arrested him. During his trial, he tried to explain his actions by claiming there had been an argument before the push. “I don’t remember a second push,” he told the jury. “I was feeling so much panic and fear [that] I reacted.”
But the jury didn’t buy his explanation. The evidence was clear, and the court handed down the maximum sentence of 40 years behind bars.
Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan J. Bates called the crime “horrific and shocking” and said White’s actions deserved the harshest punishment. “In a callous act of violence, the defendant pushed the victim not once, but twice, ensuring that he tragically fell from the subway station platform to his death,” Bates said. “It is unfathomable to consider the anguish of a family awaiting a loved one who will never return due to such senseless brutality.”
Foster’s loved ones are left to grieve, knowing justice has been served, but also knowing nothing can bring him back.
