Charges Filed Against Man for Shocking Subway Murder and Arson in NYC

Sebastian Zapeta, 33, has been indicted for murder and arson following a horrific incident on a New York subway where he allegedly ignited a woman's clothing, leading to her tragic death.

Sebastian Zapeta, a 33-year-old man, has received formal charges in connection with the tragic death of a woman who was set on fire while on a New York City subway train. On Friday, he was indicted on counts of murder and arson during a brief court proceeding where he was absent. Allegations claim that Zapeta set the victim alight, potentially while she was asleep, and exacerbated the flames with a shirt. The identity of the victim remains undisclosed.

Following the incident, which took place early on a Sunday morning at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue Station in Brooklyn, investigators apprehended Mr. Zapeta shortly after the event. Police reported that the woman, sitting on a stationary train, had no prior interaction with Zapeta before the attack, pointing to a concerning random act of violence. Officers extinguished the flames; however, the woman succumbed to her injuries on-site.

Zapeta remained in custody without bail since his arrest. Prior to the attack, the suspect remained in the vicinity as he was needed by police. New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch condemned the act, labeling it "one of the most depraved crimes one person could possibly commit against another human being.” Unbeknownst to police, he was observed lingering on a platform bench just outside the train car and later fled the scene.

Authorities revealed that Mr. Zapeta had previously been deported from the US in 2018 but re-entered the country illegally. During questioning, he claimed to have been intoxicated and unable to recall the details of the incident, albeit he recognized himself in video footage showing the arson. New York City Mayor Eric Adams has called for federal charges of arson to also be filed against Zapeta, stating that such heinous acts deserve severe punishment.

A vigil honoring the victim took place on Thursday, as investigations into her identity remain ongoing, with local authorities attempting to utilize fingerprint and DNA evidence for confirmation. Mr. Zapeta is expected to reappear in court on January 7, as the case continues to unfold, drawing public attention and outrage towards this tragic event.