Summary:

Sebastian Zapeta charged with first-degree murder and arson for setting a woman on fire on NYC subway.
Victim, sleeping on the F train in Coney Island, died at the scene.
Three teenagers identified Zapeta from NYPD photos, leading to his arrest.
Zapeta is an unlawfully present Guatemalan citizen, previously deported in 2018.
Bodycam footage and subway cameras captured the attack and Zapeta's presence.

Horrific NYC Subway Attack: Man Charged with Murder

A 33-year-old man, Sebastian Zapeta, has been charged with first-degree murder and arson after allegedly setting a woman on fire on an F train in Coney Island. The victim, who was sleeping on the subway, died at the scene.

Zapeta was identified by three teenagers who recognized him from NYPD photos. Body camera footage and subway car cameras captured him watching the woman burn. Police apprehended him at the 34th Street-Herald Square station with a lighter in his pocket, wearing the same clothes seen in the security footage.

The Victim and the Attack

The incident occurred around 7:30 a.m. on Sunday at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station. According to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, Zapeta used a lighter to ignite the victim's clothing.

Investigators say Zapeta did not know the victim and there was no prior interaction between them.

Zapeta's Immigration Status

Immigration officials revealed that Zapeta is an unlawfully present Guatemalan citizen. He was previously deported to Guatemala in 2018 but re-entered the U.S. at an unknown time and place. ICE will place an immigration detainer against him.

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez stated that his office is committed to bringing Zapeta to justice and ensuring accountability for this horrific crime.

Key Players

| Name | Role | |--------------------------|------------------------------------------| | Sebastian Zapeta | Suspect, charged with murder and arson | | Jessica Tisch | NYPD Commissioner | | Eric Gonzalez | Brooklyn District Attorney | | Three Teenagers | Key witnesses who identified the suspect |

Source: CBS New York