A man accused of setting a woman on fire aboard a New York City subway train, an incident described by officials as "depraved behavior," was arraigned this week on charges of first- and second-degree murder and arson. The attack, which occurred early Sunday morning, has raised serious concerns about subway safety during the holiday season.
The suspect, 33-year-old Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, allegedly ignited the clothing of a sleeping woman on an F train approaching the Stillwell Avenue station in Brooklyn. According to the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office, Zapeta-Calil then fanned the flames with a shirt, causing the fire to engulf the victim rapidly. Surveillance footage reportedly captured him sitting on a nearby bench, watching as the woman burned.
The victim, who remains unidentified, succumbed to her injuries caused by "thermal injuries" and "smoke inhalation," according to the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. She was believed to be homeless and appeared to have mobility issues, as a walker was found near the scene.
Details of the Incident
The attack occurred around 7:30 a.m. on December 22, with Zapeta-Calil and the victim being the only two passengers in the subway car at the time. Authorities initially suspected the fire was accidental due to the presence of liquor bottles at the scene. However, surveillance footage revealed the suspect's deliberate actions, prompting an immediate manhunt.
Eight hours later, three high school students recognized Zapeta-Calil from surveillance images circulated by the police. He was apprehended at a subway station in Manhattan's Herald Square and found carrying a lighter. NYPD Chief of Transit Joseph Gulotta commended the students' quick action, which led to the suspect's arrest.
Suspect's Background and Arraignment
Zapeta-Calil is an undocumented migrant from Guatemala who had previously been deported in 2018, only to return to the United States at an unknown date and location, according to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). At the time of the attack, his address was listed as a homeless shelter for individuals struggling with substance abuse.
During his arraignment on Tuesday, Zapeta-Calil pleaded not guilty to the charges. Prosecutors stated that he identified himself in surveillance footage and claimed he did not recall the incident, citing heavy alcohol consumption.
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez condemned the attack, calling it a "gruesome and senseless act of violence against a vulnerable woman." New York City Mayor Eric Adams also weighed in, stating, "This type of depraved behavior has no place in our subways, and we are committed to ensuring swift justice."
Context and Broader Concerns
The subway system, a critical artery for millions of New Yorkers, has seen its share of violent incidents in recent years, prompting widespread anxiety among residents. On the same day as the arson attack, a separate stabbing incident on a 7 train in Queens resulted in one death and another person injured.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul noted that crime rates on the subway have declined by 10% since the implementation of a safety initiative in May. However, high-profile cases like Sunday's attack continue to undermine public confidence. In response, Hochul announced plans to bolster subway security by deploying 250 additional National Guard members and installing security cameras in every subway car.
A City on Edge
The timing of the incident has added to public unease during the holiday season. On Saturday night, New York City was under a "Code Blue" alert, which deploys extra resources to assist homeless individuals during freezing temperatures. Officials believe the victim may have sought shelter on the train due to the severe weather.
Despite efforts to improve safety, the subway system remains a flashpoint for broader social issues, including homelessness, substance abuse, and the challenges of immigration enforcement. Mayor Adams acknowledged these complexities, emphasizing that while New York remains a "city of immigrants," individuals who re-enter the country illegally after deportation must be held accountable.
Zapeta-Calil is scheduled to appear in court again on December 27. If convicted, he faces life imprisonment without parole.
