Brutal Subway Attack in NYC Leads to Murder Charge
A shocking act of violence unfolded on a New York City subway train Sunday morning, leaving a woman dead and resulting in a murder charge against 33-year-old Sebastian Zapeta. Police say Zapeta, a Guatemalan national who had previously been deported from the U.S. in 2018, allegedly set the victim’s clothing on fire while she was seated on the train.
According to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, the incident occurred around 7:30 a.m. at the end of the line in Brooklyn. Surveillance footage shows Zapeta calmly approaching the victim, who appeared to be asleep or motionless, and igniting her clothing with what appeared to be a lighter. “The woman’s clothing then became fully engulfed in a matter of seconds,” Tisch stated, describing the crime as “one of the most depraved crimes one person could possibly commit against another human being.”
Police confirmed that there was no prior interaction between Zapeta and the victim, indicating a random and unprovoked attack.Officers responding to reports of smoke discovered the victim engulfed in flames. Despite immediate medical attention, she was pronounced dead at the scene. Zapeta remained at the scene, sitting on a nearby bench, and was quickly apprehended thanks to clear images from officers’ body cameras.
three high school students who recognized Zapeta from the released images contacted 911,providing crucial details that led to his arrest. He was wearing the same distinctive clothing—a grey hoodie, wool hat, paint-splattered trousers, and tan boots—as seen in the surveillance footage.
“The depravity of this horrific crime is beyond comprehension, and my office is committed to bringing the perpetrator to justice.This gruesome and senseless act of violence against a vulnerable woman will be met with the most serious consequences.”
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez issued this statement, underscoring the gravity of the crime and the commitment to pursuing justice. The incident has reignited concerns about safety on the city’s subway system, prompting renewed discussion about security measures.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has already deployed members of the New York national Guard to assist with subway patrols and random bag checks for weapons following a recent surge in crime. This deployment, initially implemented earlier this year and recently bolstered for the holiday season, highlights the ongoing efforts to enhance safety on the city’s public transportation.
Jeff Carter, a spokesman for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), confirmed that Zapeta is a Guatemalan citizen who illegally re-entered the U.S.after a previous deportation in 2018. The exact circumstances of his re-entry remain under investigation.
