A man faces murder and arson charges following the shocking death of a woman who was brutally set on fire inside a New York City subway train on Sunday morning. The suspect, identified as Sebastian Zapeta, 33, allegedly ignited the clothing of the victim, whose identity has not yet been released, leading to her immediate engulfment in flames.
The incident occurred at approximately 7:30 a.m. at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station on the F train. Zapeta, a Guatemalan citizen, reportedly approached the victim quietly and ignited her clothing with a lighter. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch described the horror of the scene, emphasizing how the victim's clothing “became fully engulfed in a matter of seconds.” Eyewitnesses observed Zapeta calmly sitting on the bench of the platform, watching the flames consume the woman.
The victim was pronounced dead at the scene after police, detectives, and transit workers managed to extinguish the flames. Officials later identified the disturbing nature of the crime, with Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez proclaiming, “This gruesome and senseless act of violence against a vulnerable woman will be met with the most serious consequences.”
Zapeta was apprehended several hours later on the same subway line, thanks to tips from vigilant high school students who recognized him from circulated images. According to law enforcement, Zapeta had previously been deported from the United States back in 2018 and had re-entered the country illegally. The incident has ignited criticism of the state’s immigration policies and concerns over the rising wave of violence within the subway system.
The attack has intensified fears surrounding safety and disorder on public transit, echoing broader issues related to homelessness and substance abuse across America’s major cities. Mayor Eric Adams addressed these concerns, emphasizing the commitment to removing undocumented individuals who pose threats to public safety. “This is a country of immigrants... But those who violate those laws need to be immediately removed from our country,” he stated.
On social media, outrage erupted over the incident and the apparent indifference of law enforcement. A video surfaced purportedly showing NYPD officers ignoring the burning woman, leading to widespread criticism of the police response during the attack. Various voices on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) labeled the response “disgusting” and demanded accountability for failing to assist the victim.
The victim, who is believed to have been living on the streets — as indicated by her mobility challenges, suggested by the presence of a walker — has not yet been positively identified. Authorities suspect she was homeless, maintaining the growing concern about vulnerable individuals facing violence amid increasing crime rates on the subway. Figures from the NYPD reveal there have been nine homicides reported on the subway system this year alone.
Governor Kathy Hochul has faced backlash for her earlier claims about crime reductions within the subway, asserting crime rates had dropped since deploying National Guard troops to assist law enforcement. Following the incident, she announced additional safety measures, including increased patrols and the installation of security cameras across the subway network. "Since deploying the National Guard to support police and Metropolitan Transportation Authority safety efforts... crime is going down, and ridership is going up," she claimed on social media.
High-profile attacks and murders have become all too familiar, with calls for increased oversight and initiatives to protect vulnerable individuals traveling through the metropolitan area. The gruesome murder of the woman set ablaze stands as a stark reminder of the threats those relying on the subway system face daily. The NYPD has confirmed it is actively investigating the incident as a homicide, continuing to garner community support for safety initiatives.
A total of nine subway homicides reported this year has sparked rigorous conversations around safety protocols and the need for enhanced security measures, especially as the holiday season approaches. Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez and NYPD leaders have made it clear they will pursue the harshest penalties against the perpetrator, pushing for justice for the victim and restoration of public confidence within the transit system.
The New York City subway system remains one of the busiest transit networks globally, with millions relying on it daily. Multiple officials, including Adams and Hochul, have reiterated their dedication to combating crime and ensuring safe travel for all citizens. Nevertheless, incidents such as this have raised pressing questions about the effectiveness of current measures and the grave state of safety amid growing victimization of vulnerable populations.
