A shocking and brutal killing unfolded at 7:30 a.m. on an F train idling at Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station, leaving commuters and officials reeling.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch called the act, which claimed the life of an innocent woman, “heinous.” The tragedy has sent ripples of fear and outrage throughout New York City.
Suspect Arrested After Gruesome Subway Fire
The alleged perpetrator, 33-year-old Sebastian Zapeta from Guatemala, was arrested later that day at Penn Station. Officials revealed the suspect, who entered the U.S. in 2018 and was living in a Randall’s Island shelter, has a limited criminal history, including a transit summons in May 2023. His legal status remains unclear.
According to Commissioner Tisch, the suspect “calmly walked up to the seated victim” and ignited her clothing with a lighter. Within seconds, her clothing was fully engulfed in flames. Patrolling officers spotted smoke and rushed to the scene, extinguishing the fire, but the woman tragically died on the spot.
Chilling Footage and Eyewitness Accounts
Disturbing video obtained by The Post shows the suspect watching as flames consumed the victim. He later sat on a bench near the scene, pulling his hood up and blending in with the crowd. Responding officers, unaware of his identity at the time, cleared the area while the suspect remained on the platform.
Body-worn camera footage provided a clear image of the suspect, which NYPD officials released to the public. Three high school students recognized the man at the Jay Street-MetroTech station and alerted authorities. Transit officers intercepted the suspect on a train at Herald Square, arresting him while he was still wearing the same clothes as during the attack.
Community and Police Work Together
The suspect had a lighter in his possession when apprehended. Tisch praised the students who reported him, saying, “They saw something, said something, and did something.” NYPD Chief of Transit Joseph Gulotta added, “This arrest was a testament to the collaboration between the public and police.”
Investigation Continues as Victim Remains Unidentified
The identity of the victim, who died at the scene, has yet to be determined. First responders and investigators worked throughout the day, scouring the area for evidence. By afternoon, the woman’s body was transported from the station for further examination.
Police have stated there is no known connection between the suspect and the victim, deepening the mystery surrounding this senseless act of violence. As New Yorkers grapple with the tragedy, the investigation continues to unravel the motive behind this horrific crime.
