Man Accused of Fatally Setting NYC Subway Rider on Fire Claims Memory Loss
Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, a 33-year-old Guatemalan citizen, allegedly admitted to heavy drinking and says he doesn’t have memory of the gruesome scene. The man accused of killing a New York City subway rider by setting her on fire has no memory of “what happened” and admitted to heavy drinking, authorities said Tuesday.
Suspect’s Court Appearance
Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, an undocumented immigrant in the United States, appeared before a Brooklyn judge and was formally told that he’s been accused of murder and arson in connection to the gruesome attack on Sunday. The victim, who still hasn’t been identified, was killed while asleep on a stationary F train at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue Station. The suspect allegedly set her on fire with a lighter, and once the victim became engulfed in flames, Zapeta-Calil continued “fanning the flames with a shirt,” a prosecutor said.
Alleged Lack of Memory
Zapeta-Calil later told police that “he drinks a lot of liquor” and “doesn’t know what happened,” the prosecutor added. He used a translator to help him understand the court action on Tuesday and appeared to be wearing the same white Tyvek suit he had on when New York police officers first walked him out of a police station in front of waiting cameras. He did not make any comments in court and wasn’t required to enter a plea.
Legal Proceedings and Victim Identification
Zapeta-Calil was ordered held without bail and his next court date is on Friday. Even though the victim has not yet been identified, the Medical Examiner has already determined her death was a homicide and the cause were “thermal injuries and smoke inhalation,” according to court documents.
As the case unfolds, questions arise about the circumstances leading up to this horrific event and the impact on both the victim and the suspect involved. The lack of memory claimed by Zapeta-Calil raises concerns about the role of alcohol in potentially clouding his recollection of the incident. The victim’s identity remains shrouded in mystery, leaving loved ones searching for closure and justice in the wake of this tragedy.
The chilling details of the attack, where the victim was allegedly set ablaze while sleeping on a subway train, send shockwaves through the community. As authorities piece together the events leading up to the fatal incident, the public is left grappling with the senseless violence that unfolded in the heart of New York City.
The legal proceedings surrounding Zapeta-Calil’s case shed light on the complexities of the criminal justice system and the challenges of addressing such heinous crimes. With the suspect claiming memory loss and the victim’s identity still unknown, the case takes on a new dimension of intrigue and uncertainty.
In the midst of this tragedy, it is crucial to remember the human toll of such acts of violence and the lasting impact they have on families, communities, and society as a whole. As the investigation continues and justice is sought for the victim, the case serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the urgent need for compassion and empathy in the face of senseless brutality.
