A Brooklyn grand jury has indicted Sebastian Zapeta, 33, on charges of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and first-degree arson for allegedly setting a sleeping woman on fire in a New York City subway car. Zapeta, a Guatemalan citizen living in a homeless shelter, was not present during Friday’s court hearing.
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced the charges, stating confidence in the evidence against Zapeta. The attack was described as a “malicious deed” targeting a “vulnerable woman.” The U.S. Department of Homeland Security revealed Zapeta entered the U.S. unlawfully and faces deportation proceedings.
The incident occurred on Sunday at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue subway station. According to police, Zapeta used a lighter to ignite the clothing of a woman sleeping on a stationary F train. He then fanned the flames with a shirt until the fire engulfed her. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene, with the medical examiner citing smoke inhalation and thermal injuries as the cause of death. Her identity remains unknown.
Zapeta could face life imprisonment without parole if convicted. His arraignment is scheduled for January 7.
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