Alleged Subway Arsonist Used Shirt to Fan Flames, Prosecutors Claim
Sebastian Zapeta, a 33-year-old man, was arraigned in Brooklyn Criminal Court for the alleged murder and arson of a woman on the New York City subway. The incident took place on the F train in Coney Island, Brooklyn, where Zapeta is accused of setting the woman on fire while she was sleeping. Authorities have charged him with first- and second-degree murder as well as arson for the gruesome act that shocked the city.
Suspect’s Shocking Actions Revealed
According to authorities, Zapeta used a white Tyvek suit to appear in court, where he was remanded into custody without bail. The disturbing details of the crime emerged from the criminal complaint, which stated that Zapeta set the victim’s clothes on fire and then fanned the flames by waving a shirt around her. This action caused the flames to fully engulf the woman, leading to her death from burn injuries and smoke inhalation.
Police have obtained body camera footage, subway surveillance footage, and witness statements that corroborate the events of that tragic night. Despite their efforts, the victim remains unidentified and is referred to as Jane Doe in official documents. Authorities have confirmed that Zapeta and the victim had no prior interactions and did not know each other before the incident.
Immigration Status and Shelter Living
In a surprising turn of events, authorities revealed that Zapeta entered the country illegally in 2018, was deported, and re-entered illegally sometime after that. He was found with a lighter in his possession when apprehended after the woman’s death. Zapeta currently resides at a men’s shelter in East New York, adding another layer of complexity to this already tragic story. Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez condemned the crime, vowing to seek justice for the victim and hold the perpetrator accountable for his actions.
As the investigation continues and the legal process unfolds, the city remains in shock over the senseless violence that occurred in the heart of the subway system. The community mourns the loss of the unidentified woman and grapples with the unsettling reality of such a heinous crime taking place in their midst. The tragic events serve as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and support for those most vulnerable in society.
