A man accused of burning a woman to death aboard a New York City subway train fanned the flames with a shirt, leading to her being engulfed in fire, prosecutors revealed during his arraignment on Tuesday. The suspect, 33-year-old Sebastian Zapeta, faces charges that could result in a life sentence if convicted.
Zapeta, identified by federal immigration officials as a Guatemalan citizen who entered the U.S. illegally, appeared in Brooklyn criminal court wearing a white jumpsuit over a black hooded sweatshirt. He did not enter a plea or speak during the hearing and will remain in custody without bail. He is scheduled to return to court on Friday.
Zapeta is charged with two counts of murder—intentionally causing the woman’s death and killing her while committing arson—along with one count of arson. The top murder charge carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment without parole.
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez condemned the attack as a “gruesome and senseless act of violence” and vowed to pursue the harshest penalties.
The incident occurred early Sunday morning on an F train stopped at the Coney Island station. Authorities are still working to confirm the victim’s identity.
According to prosecutors, Zapeta approached the woman, who may have been sleeping, and used a lighter to set her clothing on fire. Assistant District Attorney Ari Rottenberg stated in court that Zapeta intensified the flames by fanning them with a shirt, engulfing the woman.
After the attack, police said Zapeta sat on a platform bench and watched. In a statement to detectives, Zapeta reportedly admitted to heavy drinking and claimed he couldn’t remember what happened, though he identified himself in surveillance footage of the incident.
The investigation continues as New Yorkers react with shock and outrage to the random and brutal nature of the attack.