A suspect has been formally indicted on multiple charges, including murder and arson, in connection with a brutal attack on a New York City subway train that resulted in the death of a woman. The indictment follows a harrowing incident in which the victim was allegedly set ablaze.
Sebastian Zapeta, 33, faces one count of first-degree murder, three counts of second-degree murder, and one count of first-degree arson, according to prosecutors from the Brooklyn District Attorney's office. The charges stem from an incident that occurred on Sunday at the Coney Island station in Brooklyn.
The full indictment remains sealed until Zapeta's arraignment, which is scheduled for January 7, as stated by Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez at a recent press conference. Zapeta, a Guatemalan national who had previously entered the U.S. illegally, waived his right to appear in court and will remain in custody at Rikers Island.
District Attorney Gonzalez explained the decision to pursue state charges rather than federal, emphasizing the importance of a local jury and the potential for a more significant sentence, including life without parole. He highlighted that state law provides a more fitting penalty given the "heinous nature" of the crime.
The incident has ignited renewed concerns about safety within the city's public transit system. Law enforcement officials stated that Zapeta is accused of approaching the victim, who may have been sleeping, setting her clothing alight, and then intensifying the flames. The victim, whose identity is yet to be confirmed, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Eyewitnesses allege that Zapeta remained on the platform and watched the victim burn before law enforcement apprehended him later that day on another train. While Zapeta claims to not remember the incident due to excessive alcohol consumption, he did identify himself in the photos and surveillance video connected to the crime.
Authorities confirmed that Zapeta's listed Brooklyn address corresponds with a shelter that provides housing and substance abuse assistance. Immigration officials have also stated that he was deported in 2018, before returning to the U.S. illegally.
