NEW YORK — A man has been arrested in connection with the murder and arson of a woman who was set ablaze inside a subway train early Sunday morning.
Sebastian Zapeta, 33, was taken into custody on Monday, following his apprehension on the previous day. Details regarding whether he is represented by an attorney or when he will appear in court remain unclear. According to immigration authorities, Zapeta, originally from Guatemala, had been deported previously and is currently in the U.S. without proper documentation.
Authorities reported that surveillance footage captured the suspect approaching the unidentified female passenger aboard a stationary F train at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station in Brooklyn and igniting her clothing.
New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch described the incident as “one of the most depraved crimes one person could possibly commit against another human being,” highlighting how quickly her attire “became fully engulfed in a matter of seconds.”
Following the act, police claim that Zapeta sat on a bench outside the train car and watched as transit workers and officers attempted to extinguish the flames.
Key details indicate that Zapeta was apprehended shortly after police circulated images of a suspect related to the woman’s death. Three high school students recognized him from these images and contacted authorities, leading to his discovery on another subway train while still wearing the same gray hoodie, wool hat, painted pants, and tan boots.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesperson Jeff Carter disclosed that Zapeta had reentered the U.S. illegally after being deported in 2018, although it’s not yet known where or when he returned.
A location tied to Zapeta in Brooklyn aligns with a service center operated by Samaritan Daytop Village, which provides support for housing and substance abuse. There has been no immediate response from the organization concerning this matter.
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez stated that efforts would be made to ensure accountability in this case.
Regarding public safety within the subway system, police are actively patrolling, and numerous cameras are installed throughout subway cars and stations. However, the extensive nature of the subway network—comprising 472 stations and catering to millions of daily riders—poses a significant challenge for effective policing.
On the day of the incident, officers were present at a different platform but responded promptly upon noticing smoke. Earlier this year, New York Governor Kathy Hochul had instructed National Guard members to assist with random security checks at selected subway stations.
As for crime rates, while violent incidents can create unease among subway riders—many of whom use the trains daily and experience uncomfortable situations—overall crime in the transit system has decreased compared to last year. According to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, major felony incidents have dropped by 6% from January to November this year compared to the same period in 2022.
Nevertheless, the number of murders within the transit system has risen, with nine reported thus far this year, an increase from five during the same timeframe last year.
High-profile cases, including that of Daniel Penny, a military veteran acquitted of homicide after an altercation with a New York subway rider, draw significant media attention and contribute to the anxiety felt by passengers.
