Man charged with murder, arson after woman set on fire on New York subway

A man has been charged with murder and arson in New York City for allegedly setting a woman on fire inside a subway train, leading to her death, police announced Monday.

The suspect, identified as 33-year-old Sebastian Zapeta, was arrested hours after the incident, which occurred Sunday morning at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue subway station in Brooklyn.

According to the New York City Police Department, surveillance footage captured Zapeta approaching the woman, who appeared to be sleeping on a stationary F train. He allegedly set her clothing on fire, and the flames quickly engulfed her.

Jessica Tisch, the New York City police commissioner, described the scene as horrific, stating, “The woman’s clothing became fully engulfed in a matter of seconds.” Tisch added, “This is one of the most depraved crimes one person could possibly commit against another human being.”

Police reported that Zapeta remained at the scene, watching the woman burn from a bench on the subway platform as officers and a transit worker worked to extinguish the flames. The woman, whose identity has not yet been released, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Zapeta, a Guatemalan citizen, had been previously removed from the United States in 2018, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). ICE spokesperson Jeff Carter confirmed that Zapeta reentered the U.S. illegally, though the time and location of his reentry remain unclear.

Police apprehended Zapeta later on Sunday after receiving a tip from high school students who recognized his image from photos circulated by law enforcement. He was found riding the same subway line where the incident occurred.

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez condemned the act in a statement, calling it “beyond comprehension.” Gonzalez said, “The depravity of this horrific crime is beyond comprehension, and my office is committed to bringing the perpetrator to justice. This gruesome and senseless act of violence against a vulnerable woman will be met with the most serious consequences.”

As of Monday, it was unclear if Zapeta had legal representation or when he would be arraigned.