The man accused of killing a woman on a New York City subway train by setting her on fire was charged with murder and arson in an initial court appearance on Tuesday.
Sebastian Zapeta, a 33-year-old man who police say resides at a homeless shelter in Brooklyn, faced three charges in a criminal complaint at Brooklyn criminal court: first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and first-degree arson.
According to police reports, Zapeta allegedly used a lighter to ignite the clothing of a woman who appeared to be sleeping on a stationary F train at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue subway station last Sunday. He reportedly used a shirt to fan the flames until the woman was engulfed in fire.
Tragically, the woman was pronounced dead at the scene after firefighters extinguished the blaze. The city’s medical examiner confirmed that the cause of death was a result of smoke inhalation and thermal injuries. Authorities are still in the process of identifying the victim, as per the complaint.
During the arraignment, Judge Jung Park ordered that Zapeta be detained in jail. His next court appearance is scheduled for Friday, during which he is expected to enter a plea.
All three charges against Zapeta are felonies, each carrying a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security revealed on Monday that Zapeta is a citizen of Guatemala who had entered the country unlawfully. They announced plans to commence removal proceedings against him in the future.
A public defender representing Zapeta has not yet provided a comment in response to requests for input.
