The man accused of fatally setting a woman on fire inside a New York City subway train used his shirt to fan the flames, causing her to become completely engulfed in the blaze, a prosecutor revealed on Tuesday.
Sebastian Zapeta, 33, identified by federal immigration authorities as a Guatemalan citizen who entered the U.S. illegally, made his first court appearance in Brooklyn criminal court where he was formally charged with murder and arson.
Appearing briefly before the judge in a white jumpsuit over a worn black hooded sweatshirt, Zapeta remained silent. He will be held without bail in jail until his next court appearance on Friday.
Zapeta reportedly told investigators that he drinks heavily and couldn’t recall what happened but did confirm his identity in surveillance footage.
The unprovoked attack took place early Sunday morning on a stationary F train at the Coney Island station in Brooklyn. Authorities stated on Tuesday that the victim’s identity is still “pending at this time.”
According to officials, Zapeta approached a woman who appeared to be sitting still in the train car, possibly asleep, and set her clothing on fire using a lighter. He then used his shirt to fan the flames, which caused the fire to quickly spread and engulf the woman, Assistant District Attorney Ari Rottenberg stated on Tuesday.
Afterward, Zapeta reportedly sat on a bench on the subway platform and watched the scene unfold, according to police.
Rottenberg added that during questioning, Zapeta claimed he didn’t remember what transpired, mentioning his alcohol consumption. However, he also confirmed his identity from the images related to the incident.
A video that surfaced on social media seemed to show the woman standing inside the train engulfed in flames, while bystanders looked on from the platform, and at least one officer passed by. NYPD Chief of Transit Joseph Gulotta mentioned on Sunday that several officers responded to the fire, with one staying behind to secure the crime scene while the others went to retrieve fire extinguishers and transit workers.
The officers were able to extinguish the flames, but “unfortunately, it was too late,” said Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch — the woman was declared dead at the scene.
Zapeta was apprehended Sunday afternoon while riding a train on the same subway line, after police received a tip from teenagers who recognized him from images released by authorities.
A Brooklyn address linked to Zapeta, provided by police, corresponds to a shelter offering housing and substance abuse assistance. The shelter has yet to respond to inquiries.
Federal immigration authorities confirmed that Zapeta was deported in 2018 but later reentered the U.S. unlawfully.
In a statement, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez called the attack a “gruesome and senseless act of violence against a vulnerable woman” and assured that it would be “met with the most serious consequences.”
{Matzav.com}