Migrant arrested in connection to NYC subway burning death
A Guatemalan migrant has been arrested in connection to the tragic death of a woman who was set on fire and burned alive on a subway train in Brooklyn, New York. The person of interest has been identified as 33-year-old Sebastin Zapeta, who entered the U.S. illegally from Guatemala in 2018. He has no prior arrests in New York City but has one prior arrest in Arizona, although details about the arrest are not available.
The horrific incident took place at the Stillwell Avenue Subway station in Coney Island at around 7:30 a.m. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch provided more details during a press conference, stating that the suspect calmly approached the victim as the train pulled into the station. Using a lighter, the suspect ignited the victim’s clothing, which quickly engulfed her in flames.
Officers on patrol at the station noticed smoke and investigated the situation, finding the victim fully engulfed in flames inside the train car. With the help of an MTA employee and a fire extinguisher, the flames were extinguished, but the victim was pronounced dead. The person of interest remained at the scene and was arrested by transit officers after being identified by high school-aged witnesses.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams expressed his condolences to the victim’s family and commended the quick actions of the witnesses and officers in apprehending the suspect. He emphasized that such violent behavior has no place in the city’s subways, and justice will be swiftly served for all victims of violent crime.
The shocking incident has left the community reeling just days before Christmas. Witnesses described the scene as horrifying, with the woman’s clothes completely burned off. Despite the tragic nature of the event, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in the investigation.
The NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline is available for those who may have information, and tips can also be submitted online. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and collaboration in ensuring public safety. As the investigation continues, authorities are working diligently to bring justice to the victim and her family.
