Suspect in Fatal NYC Subway Fire Attack to Appear in Court

A court hearing is set for Friday in the case of Sebastian Zapeta, the man accused of a horrific attack on a New York City subway train. Zapeta, 33, faces two counts of murder and one count of arson for allegedly setting a woman on fire in an apparently random act of violence early Sunday morning in Brooklyn.

The incident occurred at the Coney Island station, where Zapeta allegedly approached the victim, who may have been sleeping, and ignited her clothing with a lighter. Prosecutors claim he then fanned the flames with a shirt, causing the woman to become engulfed. The victim, whose identity has not been released by police, was pronounced dead at the scene.

During his initial court appearance on Tuesday, Zapeta was not required to enter a plea. His attorney has not responded to requests for comment. Prosecutor Ari Rottenberg stated that after the attack, Zapeta sat on the platform and watched as the woman burned.

Authorities apprehended Zapeta later that day while he was riding a train on the same line. According to Rottenberg, Zapeta told investigators he drinks heavily and was unaware of what had happened, but he did identify himself in photos and surveillance footage of the incident.

Federal immigration officials have reported that Zapeta, a Guatemalan citizen, was previously deported in 2018 but re-entered the United States illegally at an unknown time. The address provided for Zapeta matches a shelter offering housing and substance abuse support.