New York: Sebastian Zapeta charged with murder and arson after woman set fire to subway | american news

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A man has been charged in the death of a woman who was set on fire on a New York subway train.

Police and federal officials said Sebastian Zapeta, a 33-year-old Guatemalan national, was charged with murder and arson on Monday.

He allegedly used a lighter to set fire to the woman’s clothes while she appeared to be dozing off at around 7.30am (12.30pm UK time) on Sunday.

The New York Police Department said Zapeta was arrested about six hours after the incident, which took place on a stationary F train at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue subway station in Brooklyn.

Jessica Tisch, New York City police commissioner, said the woman’s clothes “were completely engulfed in a matter of seconds” as he watched from a bench on the subway platform.

Metro workers and police officers patrolling the station used fire extinguishers to put out the fire.

The woman, whose identity has not been released, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Officers added that there did not appear to have been any prior interaction between Zapeta and the woman.

He was arrested after three schoolchildren called 911 when they recognized him from a photo shared by police.

Sebastian Zapeta, a 33-year-old Guatemalan national, charged with murder and arson. Image: NYPD/Reuters
Picture:
US officials said the man was deported in 2018. It is not known when he entered the country. Image: NYPD/Reuters

Tisch called the alleged murder “one of the most depraved crimes a person could possibly commit against another human being”.

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez added in a statement: “The depravity of this horrific crime is unfathomable and my office is committed to bringing the perpetrator to justice.

“This horrific and senseless act of violence against a vulnerable woman will be met with the most serious consequences.”

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Jeff Carter, a spokesman for US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, said the suspect entered the country illegally after being removed in 2018.

The US Department of Homeland Security said it was unclear when or where Zapeta had re-entered the country.

It added that it would again pursue removal proceedings once he is released from New York custody — which could be after a prison sentence if convicted.