A man has been charged with first-degree murder for an appalling incident where he allegedly set a sleeping woman on fire on a New York City subway train. Sebastian Zapeta, 33, is also facing second-degree murder and arson charges following the tragic event that occurred on an F train in Coney Island, Brooklyn, over the weekend.
Zapeta was taken into custody soon after the crime when three teenagers, having recognized him from police photos, alerted authorities. The police reported finding him seated on a platform, seemingly watching the woman as she burned. Body camera footage from responding officers and surveillance cameras confirmed his presence at the scene.
The devastating incident transpired around 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, while the unidentified woman was asleep in the subway car. According to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, Zapeta used a lighter to ignite her clothing, which quickly became engulfed in flames. Officers at the station noticed the smoke and discovered the woman in a horrific situation. Despite prompt action from transit workers and police, she tragically succumbed to her injuries at the scene.
Zapeta allegedly had no prior acquaintance with the woman, and there were no interactions before this horrific act. Following the incident, police arrested Zapeta at the 34th Street-Herald Square station while he was dressed in the same clothing as described in the reports, and he was found in possession of a lighter.
Immigration officials reported that Zapeta is in the U.S. illegally; he was previously deported to Guatemala in 2018 but reentered the country without proper authorization. The authorities are now taking steps to address his immigration status as part of the ongoing investigation.
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez condemned the violent act, expressing a commitment to ensuring justice for the victim and emphasizing that every New Yorker deserves to feel safe on public transit.
This tragic incident not only highlights issues of public safety but also underscores the importance of community vigilance, as evidenced by the teenagers who reported the suspect. Their quick action helped law enforcement apprehend Zapeta swiftly.
As the case unfolds, there is hope that justice will be served for the victim, and it reminds us of the collective responsibility to look out for one another in our communities.
Summary: Sebastian Zapeta faces first-degree murder charges for allegedly setting a sleeping woman on fire on a New York City subway. Recognized by three teenagers, Zapeta was arrested shortly after the incident. The tragedy has sparked discussions on community safety and the necessity for justice for vulnerable individuals.