Video emerges of Guatemalan immigrant’s drunken rant before setting woman on fire at NYC subway

A disturbing video shows Sebastian Zapeta-Calil ranting before allegedly setting a woman on fire at a NYC subway.

A disturbing video has emerged showing 33-year-old Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, an undocumented Guatemalan immigrant, drunkenly ranting shortly before he allegedly set a woman on fire in a New York City subway.

The video, shared on X (formerly Twitter), captures Zapeta-Calil talking about alcohol and expressing disdain for others, though most of his speech is unintelligible. Authorities have not yet verified the authenticity of the video.

EXCLUSIVE: I obtained a video of a drunken rant by the migrant accused of setting a woman on fire on a NYC subway.

The suspect, 33-year-old Sebastian Zapeta, came to the U.S. from Guatemala. His legal status remains unknown. pic.twitter.com/ODc0M16gxe

— I Meme Therefore I Am 🇺🇸 (@ImMeme0) December 23, 2024

Zapeta-Calil has been charged with first- and second-degree murder, as well as first-degree arson, in connection with the December 23 attack. The incident took place around 7:30 a.m. on an F train heading toward Stillwell Avenue station in Brooklyn. According to police, the suspect silently approached the victim, who appeared to be homeless and possibly had mobility issues, and ignited her clothing, causing flames to engulf her in seconds. Surveillance footage shows Zapeta-Calil sitting on a bench outside the train, watching the woman burn.

Authorities believe the fire spread rapidly due to the woman's multiple layers of clothing. The victim remained unresponsive as the flames consumed her. The woman has not yet been identified, but she was reportedly over 18 years old.

Zapeta-Calil, who was deported from the U.S. in 2018, had reentered the country illegally. At the time of the attack, he was living in a Brooklyn homeless shelter. After the incident, authorities were able to apprehend him when three high school students recognized him from the subway surveillance footage. They later identified him as the suspect, and officers found a lighter in his possession.

This attack has raised concerns about the safety of New York’s subway system, which has seen a troubling rise in random assaults. It also brings attention to broader issues such as illegal immigration, substance abuse, and homelessness. Mayor Eric Adams commented on the case, stressing the importance of removing individuals who violate immigration laws and threaten public safety.

The victim, who had a walker found at the scene, died from the injuries sustained in the fire. Zapeta-Calil remains in custody, awaiting arraignment.