Man Charged with Murder and Arson in Brooklyn Subway Attack
Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, 33, was charged with first and second degree murder, as well as arson in the death of a sleeping subway rider on Dec. 23, 2024.
Accused Suspect Remains in Custody
The man accused of setting fire to a woman on board a Brooklyn train on Sunday morning remains in police custody and was hit with first- and second-degree murder charges Monday.
Suspect’s Background and Charges
Law enforcement sources identified the suspect as Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, 33, who was being detained at the 60th Precinct. Detectives escorted him from the Coney Island stationhouse on Dec. 23; wearing a Tyvek suit, Zapeta-Calil said nothing to reporters waiting outside while keeping his head down as he was loaded into a police car en route to Kings County Criminal Court for arraignment.
Incident Details
Zapeta-Calil allegedly walked up to a sleeping woman on board an F train at the Stillwell Avenue-Coney Island stop on the morning of Dec. 22 and set her clothing on fire with a lighter. Video of the incident went viral and showed the woman standing on the train while engulfed in flames. Quick-acting officers and staff worked to extinguish the blaze, but the woman, whose identity is still unknown, died.
Prior Arrest and Immigration Status
According to ICE, authorities removed Zapeta-Calil from the United States on June 7, 2018, back to Guatemala, yet they say he then reentered America at a later date where he then, at some point, made his way to New York. Police confirmed that Zapeta-Calil is an immigrant who illegally arrived in the U.S. from Guatemala.
Investigation Ongoing
Police officers cuffed Zapeta-Calil on Sunday afternoon in Herald Square after being spotted by a group of teens who recognized his image, which had been circulated from the scene. When taken into custody, sources familiar with the case told amNewYork Metro, Zapeta-Calil was found to possess an ID from a Queens shelter. However, police noted his residence as being 338 Forbell St. in Brooklyn, which is listed as the Samaritan Daytop Village Forbell — an outpatient drug and alcohol rehab center.
Conclusion
The incident has shocked the city, and authorities are still working to identify the female victim. The suspect, Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, has been charged with first and second-degree murder, as well as arson, and is currently in police custody.
FAQs
Q: What happened to the victim?
A: The victim, a sleeping woman, was set on fire by the suspect on board an F train at the Stillwell Avenue-Coney Island stop on Dec. 22. She died from her injuries.
Q: Who is the suspect?
A: The suspect is Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, 33, who was charged with first and second-degree murder, as well as arson.
Q: What is Zapeta-Calil’s immigration status?
A: Zapeta-Calil is an immigrant who illegally arrived in the U.S. from Guatemala. He was deported in 2018 and somehow returned to the U.S. at a later date.
Q: How did authorities identify the suspect?
A: A group of teens recognized the suspect’s image and notified police, leading to his arrest.
