Sebastian Zapeta, a 33-year-old Guatemalan citizen, is charged with murder and arson following the fatal subway fire in Brooklyn that killed a woman on Sunday.
Zapeta had been deported to Guatemala by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in 2018 but later reentered the U.S. and made his way to New York City. The victim has not yet been identified, and authorities are investigating whether she was homeless and sleeping in the subway when attacked.
The incident occurred at the Stillwell Avenue station, where Zapeta allegedly used a lighter to set the woman on fire. Despite attempts by bystanders and transit workers to help, the woman died at the scene. A break in the case came when three students recognized Zapeta from police photos, leading to his arrest. Authorities found him in possession of a lighter at the time of his capture.
While little is known about Zapeta’s time in New York, it is reported that he had been staying in city-run shelters before the attack.
Mayor Eric Adams condemned the act and emphasized the need for the country to remove individuals who violate U.S. laws. Zapeta’s last known address was near a substance abuse treatment facility in East New York.
Zapeta’s immigration status and lack of serious prior criminal contact with police likely delayed his identification by federal authorities. New York’s sanctuary city policies restrict cooperation with ICE, but Zapeta will likely face deportation after any criminal conviction.
The case has sparked discussion about the balance between immigration policies and public safety, with some calling for better mental health care services for individuals in crisis.
