Brooklyn barista Sebastian Zapeta-Calil faces serious charges after allegedly setting fire to a sleeping woman on the New York City subway. The 33-year-old Guatemalan national has been indicted on multiple counts, including first-degree murder and arson, with the tragic event sparking widespread outrage and discussions about subway safety.
On Friday, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced the indictment, confirming Zapeta-Calil would not appear at his court arraignment set for January 7. This indictment marks the escalation of charges against him, as he was initially arrested this week for the horrifying act of igniting the victim's clothing before fanning the flames with his shirt.
The incident, which occurred on the F train at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue subway station, has shocked the city's residents. Investigators report the victim, who has yet to be identified, was believed to be homeless and died from thermal injuries and smoke inhalation shortly after the attack. Gonzalez stated, “This was a malicious deed against a sleeping vulnerable woman,” and emphasized the confidence of his office in the strength of the evidence against Zapeta-Calil.
Zapeta-Calil's immigration status adds another layer of complexity to the case. Prosecutors revealed he had been previously deported to Guatemala in 2018 but had unlawfully returned to the United States, where he had been residing at a Brooklyn homeless shelter before the incident. Following the gruesome attack, authorities indicated they would initiate removal proceedings against him once legal processes have concluded.
Witnesses describe the horror of the scene, as video footage showed Zapeta-Calil sitting casually near the victim as the flames engulfed her. Some reports indicated onlookers, including at least one police officer, did not actively intervene during the incident, leading to questions about the responsibility of bystanders during emergencies. Police officials have defended their actions, asserting the officer was managing the crime scene, allowing other officers to seek assistance and extinguish the flames.
New York Mayor Eric Adams called the act “depraved,” affirming the city’s commitment to enhancing subway safety measures following the tragedy. “This type of depraved behavior has no place in our subways,” he said. Adams announced plans, including deploying additional National Guard members to New York City and increasing surveillance efforts across the transit system, with over 15,000 security cameras already installed.
The incident has galvanized city officials and advocates alike, highlighting broader societal issues. Dave Giffen, the director of the Coalition for the Homeless, lamented the lack of recognition for the victim whose identity remains unknown. “It just adds another level to a tragedy. At this point, we still don’t even know who she was, and she can’t be mourned,” he stated.
The next steps in the legal proceedings will be closely monitored, as both the community and the family of the victim seek justice. Zapeta-Calil's previous deportation raises discussions around immigration policies and their impacts on society, particularly concerning the vulnerable populations such as the homeless.
With mounting concern over the safety of public transit, all eyes will be on the January arraignment where the seriousness of the charges will be laid bare, and discussions will continue about how to prevent such tragedies from occurring again. The public’s call for transparency and accountability is high, as city leaders are urged to address safety measures effectively to protect all New Yorkers.
