Sebastian Zapeta, 33, has been charged with murder and arson following the shocking death of a woman set ablaze on a New York City subway train. Prosecutors announced the indictment on Friday, though Zapeta did not appear in court for the brief hearing.
Authorities allege Zapeta used a lighter to ignite the victim’s clothing and fanned the flames with a shirt. The unprovoked attack took place on a stationary train at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue Station in Brooklyn last Sunday. Despite officers extinguishing the fire, the victim, whose identity remains unknown, was pronounced dead at the scene.
New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch condemned the incident as “one of the most depraved crimes imaginable,” revealing that officers responding to the fire initially did not realise the suspect was still at the station.
“Unbeknownst to the officers, the suspect had remained on the platform, sitting on a bench just outside the train car,” Tisch said.
Zapeta eventually left the station but was later recognised in police-released images by three high school students. Their tip led to his arrest. Surveillance and body camera footage captured his actions during the attack, and prosecutors revealed that Zapeta identified himself in the photos and video evidence.
During a preliminary hearing, Assistant District Attorney Ari Rottenberg stated that Zapeta told investigators he had been drinking heavily and did not recall the incident.
Originally from Guatemala, Zapeta was deported from the United States in 2018 and re-entered the country illegally, according to immigration officials. New York City Mayor Eric Adams urged federal authorities to pursue additional charges, describing the crime as “a level of evil that cannot be tolerated.”
On Thursday evening, a vigil was held for the victim, whose severe burns have delayed identification efforts. Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said authorities are using fingerprints and DNA to confirm her identity.
Zapeta, who remains in custody without bail, is due back in court on January 7.
