A suspect has been arrested in connection with the tragic death of a woman who was allegedly set on fire while riding a subway train in New York City. Authorities have identified the suspect as Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, a Guatemalan citizen who was previously deported in 2018. He has been taken into custody but has not yet been charged.
The incident occurred on a Sunday morning as the unnamed victim was traveling towards the Stillwell Avenue station in Brooklyn. According to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, the man approached the woman, who was seated at the end of the train, and set her clothes ablaze using a lighter. The fire spread quickly, engulfing her within seconds.
Witnesses nearby, including police officers on patrol at the station, noticed smoke coming from the train and rushed to assist, using fire extinguishers to put out the flames. Sadly, the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority chief described the incident as a “brutal, senseless homicide.”
Surveillance footage from inside the subway car revealed the suspect igniting a blanket the woman was wrapped in before sitting nearby and watching her burn. New York City Mayor Eric Adams condemned the act, calling it “depraved.”
Initially, police were unaware that the suspect had remained at the scene. However, body camera footage provided a clear description of him, and three high school students later identified him and alerted authorities. Transit officers eventually located him on another train and arrested him eight hours after the incident. Fortunately, no other passengers were hurt during the attack.
Mayor Adams emphasized the city’s commitment to ensuring justice for victims of violent crime in response to this disturbing event.
