New York: Sebastian Zapeta Faces Murder and Arson Charges After Subway Attack Leaves Woman Burned | US News
A man has been charged in connection with the death of a woman who was allegedly set on fire while riding a New York subway train.
Authorities, including police and federal officials, reported that Sebastian Zapeta, a 33-year-old citizen of Guatemala, faced charges of murder and arson on Monday.
It is claimed that he used a lighter to ignite the woman’s clothing while she appeared to be sleeping at approximately 7:30 a.m. (12:30 p.m. UK time) on Sunday.
According to the New York Police Department, Zapeta was taken into custody approximately six hours following the incident, which occurred on a stationary F train at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue subway station in Brooklyn.
Jessica Tisch, New York City police commissioner, stated that the woman’s clothing “was completely engulfed in flames within seconds” as Zapeta observed from a bench on the subway platform.
Fire extinguishers were utilized by subway employees and police officers present at the station to extinguish the flames.
The woman’s identity has not yet been disclosed, and she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities noted that it appeared there had been no previous interaction between the accused and the victim.
Zapeta was identified and apprehended after three school children called 911 upon recognizing him from an image released by the police.
US officials stated that the man was deported in 2018. It is currently unknown when he re-entered the country. Pic: NYPD / Reuters
Ms. Tisch condemned the alleged act, calling it “one of the most depraved crimes one person could commit against another.”
Brooklyn district attorney Eric Gonzalez echoed her sentiments in a statement, asserting: “The depravity of this horrific crime is beyond comprehension, and my office is dedicated to ensuring that the perpetrator faces justice.”
“This gruesome and senseless act of violence against a defenseless woman will be addressed with the utmost seriousness.”
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Jeff Carter, a spokesperson for US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, indicated that the suspect had entered the country illegally following his removal in 2018.
The US Department of Homeland Security confirmed that it was unclear when or where Zapeta had returned to the country.
They further stated that they would initiate removal proceedings once he is released from New York custody, which may occur following a prison sentence if he is convicted.
