NYC subway fire suspect claims memory loss after setting woman ablaze

Sebastian Zapeta charged with arson and murder for setting woman on fire, citing heavy drinking and memory loss.

Sebastian Zapeta, a 33-year-old Guatemalan national, appeared in a Brooklyn court on Tuesday, facing charges of murder and arson for allegedly setting a woman on fire aboard a stationary F train at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station. Zapeta, who is in the U.S. illegally after a previous deportation in 2018, claims he does not remember the incident, citing heavy alcohol consumption.

According to prosecutors, Zapeta ignited the victim’s clothing with a lighter and fanned the flames with a shirt, leading to her death from severe burns and smoke inhalation. The victim, yet to be identified, was seated in the train when the attack occurred on Sunday morning. Despite immediate intervention from police and transit workers who extinguished the fire, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Under police interrogation, Zapeta stated that he had consumed significant amounts of alcohol and had no recollection of his actions. Authorities have confirmed that Zapeta and the victim were strangers with no prior interaction. Zapeta was arrested hours after the incident when high school students recognized him from police-released images and alerted authorities. He did not enter a plea during his court appearance and remains held without bail.

This shocking incident has reignited concerns over subway safety in New York City, despite a reported decrease in major transit crimes this year. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch described the crime as "one of the most depraved acts one person could commit against another," emphasizing the importance of justice in the case.

Zapeta’s next court date is scheduled for Friday as investigators continue to gather evidence and work to identify the victim. The case has sparked outrage and discussions about public safety and mental health within the transit system.