Man Accused of Setting Woman on Fire in NYC Subway
Sebastian Zapeta, a 33-year-old Guatemalan citizen who entered the U.S. illegally after being previously deported in 2018, was arrested on murder and arson charges after allegedly setting a woman on fire inside a New York City subway train. The horrific incident took place on a stationary F train at the Coney Island station in Brooklyn on a Sunday morning. The victim’s identity remains unknown, as prosecutors continue their efforts to identify her.
Chilling Details of the Attack
Authorities revealed that Zapeta approached the woman, who was sitting motionless in the train car, and used a lighter to set her clothing on fire. Shockingly, instead of rendering aid or seeking help, Zapeta sat on a bench on the subway platform and watched as the woman was engulfed in flames. Prosecutors allege that Zapeta even fanned the flames with a shirt while the woman burned.
Arrest and Investigation
Zapeta was taken into custody while riding a train on the same subway line after teenagers recognized him from images circulated by the police and alerted authorities. When interviewed by detectives, Zapeta claimed he didn’t remember the incident, attributing it to heavy drinking. The crime scene was described as gruesome and senseless by Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, who promised serious consequences for Zapeta.
Impact on Subway Safety Concerns
The graphic video of the attack, which spread across social media, has heightened concerns about subway safety among New Yorkers. While overall crime in the transit system has decreased this year, murders have increased. The incident has fueled ongoing debates about safety, homelessness, and mental illness in the subway system.
The complexities of policing the vast subway network, with its numerous stations, entry points, and moving trains, pose significant challenges for law enforcement. Despite the efforts of police to ensure safety, tragedies like this one underscore the need for continued vigilance and improved security measures. Sebastian Zapeta remains in custody without bail, awaiting his next court appearance on Friday.
