Man Charged with First-Degree Murder for Setting Sleeping Woman on Fire on NYC Subway
NEW YORK — A 33-year-old man has been charged with first-degree murder following a horrifying attack in which a sleeping woman was set on fire aboard a New York City subway train.
Sebastian Zapeta faces charges of first- and second-degree murder and arson after the brutal crime on an F train in Coney Island, Brooklyn, early Sunday morning, according to the NYPD.
The victim, whose identity has not yet been released, was asleep on the train at approximately 7:30 a.m. when Zapeta allegedly ignited her clothing using a lighter. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch described the crime as “a depraved and senseless act of violence.”
Crime Scene and Arrest
Officers at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station noticed smoke coming from the train and discovered the woman engulfed in flames. Despite their efforts to extinguish the fire with the help of a transit worker, the woman died at the scene.
Unbeknownst to responding officers, Zapeta remained at the station, sitting on a bench outside the train car and watching the scene unfold. Body-worn camera footage and subway surveillance cameras captured clear images of the suspect.
Three teenagers later recognized Zapeta from photos released by the NYPD and called 911. Acting on their tip, officers arrested Zapeta at the 34th Street-Herald Square station later that day. He was reportedly wearing the same clothes seen in the footage and had a lighter in his pocket.
Immigration History and Shelter Residency
According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Zapeta is an undocumented immigrant from Guatemala who was deported in 2018 after entering the U.S. illegally. Officials confirmed that he returned to the U.S. at an unknown date and location. ICE plans to issue an immigration detainer against him.
Zapeta had been living in a men’s shelter in East New York. The shelter has not commented on the incident.
Investigation and Charges
Investigators revealed that Zapeta did not know the victim and that there was no interaction between them before the attack. The motive for the crime remains unclear.
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez condemned the act, calling it “gruesome and senseless” and pledging to seek the maximum punishment. “Every New Yorker deserves to feel safe on our subways, and we will do everything in our power to ensure accountability in this case,” Gonzalez said.
Community Response
The crime has sparked outrage and concern over subway safety, particularly for vulnerable individuals. Commissioner Tisch praised the teenagers who reported the suspect, saying, “They saw something, said something, and did something.”
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward. Zapeta is expected to be arraigned soon, and the case will likely draw significant attention as New York grapples with public safety concerns in its transit system.
