NEW YORK CITY – The New York Police Department (NYPD) has taken into custody Sebastian Zapeta, a 33-year-old migrant from Guatemala, accused of committing one of the most shocking crimes to occur in the city’s subway system this year. The incident unfolded early Sunday morning at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue subway station, where Zapeta allegedly set a sleeping woman on fire on an F train, then watched her burn to death without any attempt to intervene or call for help.
The attack, taking place just days before Christmas, has left commuters and city officials in a state of shock and has reignited debates over subway safety and the effectiveness of recent security measures announced by Governor Kathy Hochul. The woman, who has yet to be identified publicly, was found engulfed in flames by responding officers who were on patrol when they noticed smoke in the station. Despite their efforts to extinguish the fire with the help of an MTA worker, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to police reports, Zapeta calmly walked up to the woman, who was seated and possibly asleep, and used a lighter to ignite her clothing. After the act, he reportedly sat on a bench on the platform, watching his victim burn. The chilling scene was captured on video, prompting swift public assistance in identifying Zapeta, whose image was disseminated through various media channels.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch described the crime as “one of the most depraved crimes one person could possibly commit,” highlighting the brutality of the act and the lack of apparent motive. The suspect, who had entered the U.S. from Guatemala about a year ago, was arrested later that day on another train after three teenagers recognized him from the police images and called 911.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams expressed his gratitude towards the young New Yorkers and transit officers for their role in the quick apprehension of Zapeta. “This type of depraved behavior has no place in our subways, and we are committed to working hard to ensure there is swift justice for all victims of violent crime,” Adams stated, emphasizing the city’s resolve to enhance subway safety.
The incident has not only raised questions about the security within the subway system but also about the broader implications of immigration and crime. The debate has been particularly heated, with some linking the crime to broader immigration policies, while others caution against making such connections without a full understanding of the circumstances.
The NYPD has not yet disclosed whether charges have been filed against Zapeta, pending further investigation into his legal status in the U.S. and the specifics of the crime. The case continues to unfold, with the public and officials alike awaiting more detailed information.
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