Defense May Seek Insanity Plea: Source
Attorneys for the suspect accused of burning a woman to death on a New York subway are gearing up for a possible insanity defense.
Arrest Made in Murder and Arson
New York City police have arrested a man, 33-year-old Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, on murder and arson charges in the death of a woman who was set on fire inside a subway train early Sunday morning. He is currently being held at Brooklyn Central Brooking.
Immigration Status
Immigration officials say that Zapeta-Calil, who is from Guatemala, had been deported in 2018 and didn’t have permission to be in the U.S.
Victim’s Identity Unknown
The victim’s identity remains unknown, with police saying that she had no identification on her and that they may need her dental records to confirm her identity, given the condition of her body.
Teenagers Help Police Find Suspect
After pictures of the suspect were released, three high school-age New Yorkers called 911, saying they saw and recognized him on a train at the York Street station. Police were able to stop the train and place the suspect in custody.
Suspect’s Background
Zapeta-Calil is currently being held at Brooklyn Central Brooking. His address listed by police matches a service center for Samaritan Daytop Village, which provides housing and substance abuse support. The organization has not yet responded to NewsNation’s request to confirm whether Zapeta-Calil lived there or at a different facility.
Police Investigation
Police told NewsNation that the woman was asleep on a stopped F train at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station in Brooklyn around 7:30 a.m. Sunday when the suspect set her clothing on fire. The fire was extinguished, and the woman was pronounced dead. Police have not yet released her identity.
Conclusion
The investigation is ongoing, with Zapeta-Calil’s attorneys seeking a psychological evaluation. The suspect’s background and immigration status raise questions, and the community is left to wonder how this tragedy could have occurred.
FAQs
Q: What is the suspect’s name?
A: Sebastian Zapeta-Calil
Q: What are the charges against him?
A: First-degree murder, second-degree murder, and arson
Q: What is the victim’s identity?
A: Unknown, pending dental records
Q: How did the victims’ identity remain unknown?
A: The victim had no identification on her, and police may need her dental records to confirm her identity, given the condition of her body.
Q: How did police find the suspect?
A: Three high school-age New Yorkers recognized him on a train at the York Street station and called 911.
Q: What is the current status of the investigation?
A: Ongoing, with Zapeta-Calil’s attorneys seeking a psychological evaluation.
