The man accused of fatally setting a woman on fire aboard a New York City subway train was formally charged with murder and arson during his first court appearance on Tuesday.
Sebastian Zapeta, a 33-year-old Brooklyn resident who is currently staying at a homeless shelter, was charged with three felonies: first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and first-degree arson, following a tragic incident that unfolded over the weekend.
According to police reports, Zapeta used a lighter to ignite the clothing of a woman who appeared to be asleep on a stationary F train at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue subway station on Sunday. The accused then fanned the flames with a shirt, ultimately causing the woman to be engulfed in fire. The victim, whose identity remains unknown, was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after the fire was extinguished. The medical examiner’s office confirmed the cause of death was smoke inhalation and thermal injuries.
The grisly attack occurred as the subway train remained stationary in the station. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with commuters unable to prevent the horrific act in time.
During Zapeta’s arraignment at the Brooklyn Criminal Court, Judge Jung Park ordered the defendant to be held without bail. Zapeta is set to return to court on Friday, where he will be required to enter a formal plea. The charges he faces carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
As the investigation continues, the police are working to identify the victim, who was reportedly alone on the train when the attack occurred. Authorities have also confirmed that Zapeta is a Guatemalan citizen who entered the United States unlawfully. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has announced that it will pursue deportation proceedings against him once the criminal case is resolved.
The tragic event has left the community in shock, with many questioning the circumstances that led to such an unprovoked act of violence. This case has already sparked discussions about safety in public transportation and the need for stronger measures to protect subway passengers.
Zapeta’s public defender has yet to respond to requests for comment on the charges. As the legal proceedings unfold, attention will likely intensify on both the defendant’s background and the broader implications for public safety in New York City.
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