A man has been arrested in connection with a shocking incident on a New York City subway, where a woman was allegedly set on fire. The suspect, identified as Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, 33, reportedly told police he “doesn’t know what happened” after the tragic event, according to reports.
The incident took place on December 22, when Zapeta-Calil allegedly used a lighter to ignite the flames on the victim, whose name has not been released. Witnesses, including prosecutor statements, revealed that after setting the woman on fire, he was seen fanning the flames with his shirt as she lay unconscious.
Surveillance footage captured the chilling moment before the fire started, showing the woman sleeping on an F train at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue Station. Zapeta-Calil, sitting nearby, allegedly set fire to her and the blanket she was under.
After the attack, the suspect reportedly chose to leave the train and sat on a bench nearby, watching as the victim burned, while she was believed to be unable to react. Authorities discovered that the woman had been struggling to walk and was wearing multiple layers of clothing, which may have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. It is suspected that she was homeless.
Zapeta-Calil was apprehended after three high school students recognized him from security footage shared with the public. He was later found at a train station with a lighter in his possession.
The New York City Office of the Medical Examiner has determined the woman’s death to be a homicide, caused by “thermal injuries and smoke inhalation.”
In court, Zapeta-Calil faced charges including first- and second-degree murder, as well as arson. He has pleaded not guilty and is currently being held without bail. He is expected to return to court for his next hearing.
This case has raised serious concerns and has shocked many in the community.
