Suspect in Fiery Subway Murder of Woman in New York Set for Arraignment

NEW YORK — A man has been arrested in connection with a shocking incident that saw a woman set ablaze inside a subway train, resulting in her tragic death. Sebastian Zapeta, 33, faces charges of murder and arson following the horrifying attack that occurred Sunday morning on a stationary F train at the Coney Island station in Brooklyn.

Federal officials confirmed that Zapeta is a Guatemalan citizen who had entered the U.S. illegally after being deported in 2018. On that fateful morning, police reported that Zapeta approached the woman, who was presumably asleep in the train car, and ignited her clothing with a lighter. Witnesses noted that he then sat on a bench, observing as police officers and transit workers attempted to extinguish the flames.

The victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, was pronounced dead at the scene. Zapeta was taken into custody later that day while riding the same subway line, thanks to tips from teenagers who recognized him from police images.

As of now, it is unclear whether Zapeta has retained legal representation. Public records indicate his address aligns with a shelter that offers housing and substance abuse services, although the shelter has not provided any comment on the situation.

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez condemned the incident, describing it as a “gruesome and senseless act of violence against a vulnerable woman” and promised that it would face severe repercussions under the law.

This attack, along with videos circulating online, has heightened fears among New Yorkers concerning subway safety. Many commuters are already anxious about violent incidents, as the subway is integral to daily life for countless city residents.

Policing the subway remains a complex challenge due to the extensive network of trains and numerous stations. On the day of the incident, police were reportedly patrolling a different section of the station and responded only after noticing smoke.

Despite this violence, overall crime in the city’s transit system has seen a decline this year compared to last, with major felonies dropping by 6% from January to November. Nonetheless, murder rates have surged, with nine recorded killings this year compared to five in the same period last year, spotlighting emerging safety concerns.

The recent spike in violent incidents, including high-profile cases like that of Daniel Penny, has captured national attention, contributing to the growing unease among subway riders. The ongoing discourse surrounding subway safety remains a pressing concern for many New Yorkers.