An undocumented immigrant has been charged with murder and arson after allegedly setting a woman on fire while she slept on a New York City subway earlier this week. The suspect, 33-year-old Sebastian Zapeta, faces one count of first-degree murder, two counts of second-degree murder, and one count of first-degree arson, according to prosecutors in Brooklyn.
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez confirmed the charges, emphasizing the severity of the crime. “This was a malicious deed, a sleeping vulnerable woman on our subway system,” Gonzalez said. He assured the public that his office would do everything in its power to hold Zapeta accountable for the brutal attack.
The incident occurred on Sunday as the subway train pulled into the station. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch described the attack, stating that the suspect calmly approached the victim, who was seated and asleep. Zapeta is believed to have used a lighter to ignite the woman’s clothing, which quickly became fully engulfed in flames. The woman, whose identity has not yet been confirmed, was severely burned in the attack.
Zapeta, a Guatemalan citizen, was deported under President-elect Donald Trump’s first administration in June 2018. However, he re-entered the United States illegally at an unknown date and was reportedly staying at a homeless shelter in Brooklyn at the time of the attack. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has confirmed his immigration status and announced that Zapeta will face removal proceedings.
The grand jury indictment for Zapeta is scheduled to be unsealed during his arraignment on January 7th. Authorities are continuing their efforts to identify the female victim, with the medical examiner and police working together on the case.
What charges is Sebastian Zapeta facing in connection with the subway attack?
Sebastian Zapeta has been charged with one count of first-degree murder, two counts of second-degree murder, and one count of first-degree arson for allegedly setting a woman on fire while she slept on a New York City subway.