(DailyVantage.com) – A Guatemalan migrant, Sebastin Zapeta, has been arrested in connection with the horrific death of a woman who was set on fire aboard a Brooklyn subway train on Sunday morning. Authorities have charged the 33-year-old with first- and second-degree murder and first-degree arson for the crime that has shocked New Yorkers just days before Christmas.
The incident occurred at the Stillwell Avenue Subway station in Coney Island around 7:30 a.m. According to Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, Zapeta calmly approached the victim, who was seated inside the train car, and used a lighter to ignite her clothing. Witnesses said the flames spread rapidly, engulfing her within seconds. Officers patrolling the station noticed smoke and discovered the victim in flames. Despite efforts by officers and an MTA employee to extinguish the fire, she was pronounced dead at the scene. Zapeta remained at the station after the incident and was found sitting on a bench outside the train car.
Authorities confirmed that Zapeta entered the U.S. illegally from Guatemala in 2018. He was initially apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol in Arizona and deported days later. However, Immigration and Customs Enforcement stated that he later reentered the country unlawfully at an unknown time and location. He has no prior arrests in New York City but does have one previous arrest in Arizona, though details about that case are unclear.
Body-worn camera footage helped identify Zapeta, and descriptions shared with the public led to his recognition by three high school students who contacted 911. Transit officers arrested Zapeta without resistance, finding a lighter in his pocket.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams condemned the act, describing it as depraved and pledging to ensure swift justice for the victim. The incident has left the community reeling, with residents expressing disbelief and outrage. One witness described the crime as “messed up,” particularly with Christmas only a few days away. Another recounted the extent of the flames, saying the victim’s clothes were completely burned off.
The NYPD has urged anyone with additional information about the incident to contact their Crime Stoppers Hotline. The investigation remains ongoing.
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