A man facing charges of murder and arson in connection with the death of a woman aboard a subway train in New York City is set to appear in court on Friday.
Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, 33, is alleged to have ignited a fire on an unidentified woman who was asleep on an F train as it approached the Stillwell Avenue station in Brooklyn early Sunday morning. According to police statements included in a complaint filed in Brooklyn Criminal Court, Zapeta-Calil reportedly set her clothing ablaze and exacerbated the flames using a shirt while the fire consumed her.
The New York City Office of the Medical Examiner has ruled the victim’s death a homicide, citing “thermal injuries” and “smoke inhalation” as the causes.
This tragic event has intensified concerns regarding safety within the subway system, particularly in light of a troubling increase in random attacks. It has also brought to the forefront persistent issues that major urban centers like New York have grappled with for years, such as homelessness, illegal immigration, and substance abuse.
A vigil was conducted on Thursday evening at the Stillwell Avenue station to pay tribute to the victim, as reported by CNN affiliate NY1.
“Her life was significant, and we believe that we can make a difference, and that everyone can take part, and that is the strength of prayer,” stated Rev. Kevin McCall, founder of the Crisis Action Center, in an interview with the outlet.
The court hearing scheduled for Friday follows the arraignment of Zapeta-Calil on Tuesday, where he faced charges of first- and second-degree murder as well as arson. He did not enter a plea during this proceeding.
CNN has contacted Zapeta-Calil’s attorney for a statement.
In his initial court appearance, Zapeta-Calil asserted that he was unaware of the incident, attributing his lack of memory to his alcohol intake. Nevertheless, he acknowledged his identity in photographs associated with the attack, as reported by Assistant District Attorney Ari Rottenberg.
Zapeta-Calil was admitted to the hospital on Monday night, which resulted in a delay of several hours for his arraignment, according to Helen Peterson, the deputy director of communications for the Brooklyn district attorney’s office.
Information regarding the suspect
An undocumented immigrant from Guatemala, Zapeta-Calil was deported in 2018 and subsequently reentered the United States unlawfully, as reported by federal immigration authorities. The New York Police Department indicated that his last known residence was a homeless shelter in Brooklyn catering to men facing substance abuse challenges.
In response to inquiries regarding Zapeta-Calil’s current whereabouts and shelter situation, a representative from the New York City Department of Social Services stated, “We cannot disclose any case information about individual social service recipients and cannot comment on an ongoing investigation.”
On June 1, 2018, Zapeta-Calil was apprehended by the US Border Patrol in Sonoita, Arizona, where he received an expedited removal order. He returned to Guatemala six days later, according to Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesperson Jeff Carter. He subsequently reentered the United States illegally at an unspecified time and location.
This incident represents Zapeta-Calil’s first arrest, as noted by Rottenberg.
“This is a country of immigrants,” remarked New York City Mayor Eric Adams during an interview with Fox 5 New York, “But those who violate that pursuit, we need to immediately remove them from our country.”
A ‘gruesome and senseless act of violence’
Authorities reported that Zapeta-Calil approached the sleeping woman quietly before igniting flames that engulfed her “in a matter of seconds.”
Surveillance footage revealed him seated across from the victim prior to initiating the fire, after which he exited the train and observed from outside the subway car.
The victim, who seemed to have mobility challenges and was dressed in several layers, remained unresponsive until she was completely consumed by flames, according to sources cited by New York Front.
Initially, police considered the possibility that the fire was accidental due to liquor bottles discovered near the victim. However, a review of the surveillance footage redirected the investigation towards Zapeta-Calil.
He was identified and arrested later that day after being recognized by three high school students who had seen images disseminated by the NYPD. Officers halted a subway train at Herald Square, where they located him with a lighter in his possession, as stated by NYPD Chief of Transit Joseph Gulotta.
In the aftermath of the incident, officials voiced their outrage and dedication to achieving justice.
“This horrific and senseless act of violence against a vulnerable woman will face the most severe repercussions,” Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez remarked.
While the victim has not yet been named, she appeared to be homeless, according to a law enforcement official speaking to The New York Times.
“This kind of depraved conduct has no place in our subways, and we are committed to ensuring swift justice for all victims of violent crime,” Adams stated in a post on X.
