Man Accused of Setting Woman on Fire on NYC Subway Train Awaits Arraignment
Accused of Murder and Arson
Sebastian Zapeta, 33, was arrested on Monday on murder and arson charges in connection with the death of a woman who was set on fire on a New York City subway train on Sunday morning. He is currently awaiting arraignment.
Victim’s Identity Still Pending
The victim, a woman who was sitting motionless in the train car and may have been sleeping, was engulfed in flames after Zapeta used a lighter to set her clothing on fire. The woman’s identity has not yet been released.
Suspect’s Background
Zapeta, a Guatemalan citizen, entered the U.S. illegally after being previously deported in 2018. He was taken into custody after police received a tip from teenagers who recognized him from images circulated by the police.
Incident Details
The incident occurred on a stationary F train at the Coney Island station in Brooklyn on Sunday morning. Police responded to the scene and were able to douse the fire, but the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. The attack has been described as a "gruesome and senseless act of violence against a vulnerable woman" by Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez.
Subway Safety Concerns
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of the New York City subway system, which is used by millions of people every day. While crime is down in the transit system this year compared to last year, murders are up, with nine killings this year through November compared to five in the same period last year.
Policing the Subway
Policing the subway is a challenging task, given the vast network of trains and stations. On Sunday, police were patrolling a different area of the station when they responded to the incident after seeing and smelling smoke.
Conclusion
The incident on the New York City subway train is a tragic reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety and security in public transportation systems. The accused, Sebastian Zapeta, is awaiting arraignment and will face serious charges in connection with the death of the woman.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is accused of setting the woman on fire?
A: Sebastian Zapeta, 33, is accused of setting the woman on fire on a New York City subway train.
Q: What were the circumstances of the incident?
A: The incident occurred on a stationary F train at the Coney Island station in Brooklyn on Sunday morning. The suspect allegedly set the woman’s clothing on fire using a lighter, and she was engulfed in flames.
Q: What is the current status of the accused?
A: The accused, Sebastian Zapeta, is currently awaiting arraignment on murder and arson charges.
Q: What are the concerns around subway safety?
A: The incident has raised concerns about the safety of the New York City subway system, particularly with regards to crime and policing.
