NYC Subway Horror: Woman Set Ablaze, Suspect Arrested

A horrific incident unfolded on a New York City subway train, leaving a woman dead after being set on fire. 33-year-old Sebastian Zapeta has been charged with first and second-degree murder and arson.

<img src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/bba5/live/2cb26880-c10d-11ef-a18f-adecfe249171.jpg.webp" alt="New York police released images of a person of interest in the incident, later announcing they had charged him with murder">

The attack occurred on a stationary F train in Brooklyn's Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station around 7:30 AM. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch described the crime as "one of the most depraved crimes one person could possibly commit".

The victim, who remains unnamed, was reportedly motionless when the attack happened. Police say there was no prior interaction between Zapeta and the victim, indicating they didn't know each other.

<img src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/629b/live/cb8206f0-c0b3-11ef-a13a-e9a65dae116f.png.webp" alt="Police investigate at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue Station in Brooklyn">

Quick Thinking Saves the Day:

While Zapeta initially remained at the scene, his actions were captured on police body cameras. Crucially, three high school students recognized him on another subway train and called 911, leading to his arrest at Herald Square station in Manhattan.

<img src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/65cf/live/720d1270-c0ce-11ef-8a67-5fc44e42856a.png.webp" alt="Officers responded with fire extinguishers, but the victim died at the scene">

Zapeta's Immigration Status:

An immigration official revealed Zapeta illegally entered the US in 2018, was deported, and subsequently re-entered illegally. This detail adds another layer of complexity to the already shocking incident.

This case highlights the need for enhanced safety measures on the subway and the importance of citizen vigilance in reporting suspicious activity. The swift action of those high school students was instrumental in apprehending the suspect.