A 33-year-old man has been charged with first-degree murder following a horrific incident in which a sleeping woman was set on fire aboard a New York City subway train. Sebastian Zapeta faces charges of first- and second-degree murder as well as arson, stemming from this shocking crime that occurred on an F train in Coney Island, Brooklyn, over the weekend.
According to police, Zapeta was apprehended on the same day as the incident after three teenagers recognized him from surveillance photos released by the NYPD. Investigators confirmed that body camera footage and subway surveillance cameras showed him watching the woman burn on the platform. Tragically, the victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, was sleeping at the time of the attack.
The horrific event took place around 7:30 a.m. on Sunday at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station. Authorities reported that Zapeta reportedly used a lighter to ignite the victim’s clothing, which quickly became engulfed in flames. Responding officers noticed the smoke and found the woman on fire in the subway car. Despite their efforts and those of a transit worker using a fire extinguisher, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
In a grave update, it was revealed that Zapeta has previously been deported to Guatemala in 2018 and re-entered the United States illegally. Authorities confirmed he had no prior acquaintance with the victim before the tragic attack.
Zapata’s arrest was facilitated by the quick actions of bystanders who alerted the authorities after recognizing him, demonstrating the importance of community vigilance in ensuring public safety. Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez expressed deep concerns about the incident, emphasizing the need for justice and the commitment to making New Yorkers feel safe in their subway system.
This incident underscores the need for continued efforts to maintain safety within public transportation and proactive community engagement in reporting suspicious behavior. While the circumstances of this crime are tragic, the quick response and observance by witnesses provide a glimmer of hope, illustrating that people can come together to seek justice and safeguard their neighborhoods.