A man has been charged with first-degree murder for allegedly setting a sleeping woman on fire on a subway train in New York City. Sebastian Zapeta, 33, was arrested following the incident that occurred on an F train in Coney Island, Brooklyn. He is facing multiple charges, including first- and second-degree murder and arson.
Police apprehended Zapeta on the same day as the incident after three teenagers recognized him from the images released by the NYPD. The horrifying crime unfolded when a woman, who has not yet been identified, was reportedly ignited while sleeping on the train. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated that Zapeta allegedly used a lighter to set the woman’s clothing ablaze, leading to her tragic death.
Officers responded quickly after noticing smoke and flames coming from the subway car. Although they attempted to extinguish the fire with help from a transit worker, the woman sadly did not survive. It was revealed that Zapeta remained at the scene and was spotted sitting on a platform bench while the chaos unfolded.
Zapeta’s immigration status has come into question, as he reportedly reentered the U.S. after previously being sent back to Guatemala in 2018. He has been described by immigration officials as unlawfully present in the country, although it is unclear when he returned.
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez condemned the attack, stating that such a violent act against a vulnerable individual is incomprehensible and promising rigorous legal actions against the perpetrator. He emphasized that every New Yorker deserves safety while using public transportation.
The quick actions of the teenagers who recognized Zapeta and reported his presence to law enforcement play a critical role in apprehending a suspect in this grave incident, highlighting the importance of community vigilance and cooperation with police.
Ultimately, this tragic event serves as a harsh reminder of the need for safety and security in public spaces. There is hope that through collective efforts, justice will be served, and further measures can be implemented to protect vulnerable individuals within the community.