New York City, December 24 – A gruesome act of violence in a Brooklyn subway car has left a woman dead and a man charged with murder, sending shockwaves through the city and reigniting concerns about subway safety.
Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, a 33-year-old undocumented immigrant from Guatemala, was charged Monday with first- and second-degree murder and first-degree arson in connection with the attack. The incident occurred Sunday morning aboard an F train at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station, where Zapeta-Calil allegedly used a lighter to set the woman’s clothing and blanket ablaze.
Table of Contents
- A Calculated Act of Violence
- Suspect’s Troubled History
- Swift Arrest and Public Heroism
- City Officials Respond
- A Troubling Pattern
A Calculated Act of Violence
According to police, the suspect sat across from the victim in an empty subway car before approaching her and igniting her clothing. Surveillance footage captured the horrifying sequence, showing the victim engulfed in flames “in a matter of seconds.” The suspect then exited the train, sat on a platform bench, and watched as the woman burned.
Officers on patrol in the station responded to the fire but were unable to save the victim, who died at the scene. The woman, whose identity remains unknown, was reportedly homeless and may have had mobility issues, as a walker was found nearby. Investigators believe her layered clothing contributed to the rapid spread of the flames.
“There was no interaction between the suspect and the victim prior to the attack, and it appears they did not know each other,” said NYPD Chief of Transit Joseph Gulotta.
Suspect’s Troubled History
Zapeta-Calil had previously been deported from the United States in 2018 after being detained in Arizona. Federal immigration authorities confirmed that he later reentered the country unlawfully. His last known address was a homeless shelter in Brooklyn for men struggling with substance abuse, according to police.
“This is a country of immigrants,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams in a statement. “But those who violate that pursuit must face consequences. We need to immediately remove individuals who commit such heinous acts.”
Swift Arrest and Public Heroism
The suspect’s capture was facilitated by quick-thinking high school students who recognized him from surveillance images released by police. After spotting him on a Manhattan subway train, the teens alerted authorities. Officers intercepted the train at Herald Square, arrested Zapeta-Calil, and found a lighter in his pocket.
“I want to thank the young people who called 911 to help,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch. “They saw something, said something, and did something.”
City Officials Respond
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez vowed to seek the harshest penalties for what he described as a “gruesome and senseless act of violence against a vulnerable woman.” Mayor Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul also condemned the attack, with Hochul highlighting ongoing subway safety initiatives.
Despite a reported 10% decrease in subway crime this year, incidents like this have left residents uneasy about using public transit. In response, Hochul announced plans to bolster security with additional National Guard members and increased surveillance measures.
A Troubling Pattern
The fatal arson marked the second subway killing in New York City that day. Earlier Sunday, a stabbing on a southbound 7 train in Queens left one person dead and another injured.
These high-profile crimes have reignited debates about mental health, homelessness, and public safety in major urban areas. As the city grapples with these challenges, leaders have pledged to pursue justice and ensure greater protection for commuters.
“This depraved behavior has no place in our city,” said Adams. “We remain committed to ensuring swift justice and restoring safety to our subways.”
The investigation remains ongoing, and Crime Stoppers is offering a $10,000 reward for information related to the case.
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