A grand jury has indicted Sebastian Zapeta, 33, in connection with the horrific subway attack where a woman was set on fire, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced Friday. Zapeta faces multiple murder and arson charges following the incident.
The unidentified victim was reportedly sleeping on a train when Zapeta allegedly used a lighter to ignite her clothing. Furthermore, reports indicate Zapeta fanned the flames using a shirt, according to the criminal complaint.
Zapeta waived his court appearance, and his arraignment, where the indictment will be unsealed, is set for January 7th. He faces one count of first-degree murder, three counts of second-degree murder, and one count of arson. These charges could lead to life imprisonment, highlighting the seriousness of the alleged crimes.
District Attorney Gonzalez emphasized the state’s confidence in their evidence and determination to hold Zapeta accountable. He stated the state charges carry a more severe penalty than the available federal charges, despite the mayor’s office pushing for federal involvement.
The DA further stated that the evidence, including video footage of the victim ablaze, shows the attack was intentional. Moreover, authorities are still working to identify the victim, who was fatally injured in the assault.
Adding to the complexity, Zapeta is a Guatemalan national who had previously been deported after entering the U.S. illegally, only to return. The tragedy has sparked community outrage and calls for a systemic review of how vulnerable populations are protected.
Community leaders gathered at the Stillwell Avenue station to mourn the loss, calling the incident a systemic failure. Activists emphasized that the victim’s life mattered and that the system had failed her, as she was so badly burned she is currently unidentifiable.
