NEW YORK: Sebastian Zapeta-Calil has been indicted on charges of first- and second-degree murder and arson, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced. The charges follow allegations of a subway attack that resulted in the death of an unidentified woman.
Subway Tragedy and Court Developments
Zapeta-Calil, 33, is accused of setting fire to a sleeping woman aboard an F train station early Sunday. According to police testimony, he ignited her clothes and used a shirt to intensify the flames.
At a Friday hearing, the judge moved the case to Kings County Supreme Court, scheduling Zapeta-Calil’s arraignment for January 7. He faces life without parole under New York’s murder statute, the state’s most severe penalty.
Incident’s Impact and Victim Tribute
The Medical Examiner ruled the victim’s death a homicide caused by “thermal injuries” and “smoke inhalation.” Community members gathered at a vigil at Stillwell Avenue station to honor the victim and advocate for improved subway safety.
Rev. Kevin McCall, founder of the Crisis Action Center, said, “Her life mattered, and we believe in the power of collective action and prayer.”
Suspect’s Background Raises Questions
Zapeta-Calil, an undocumented immigrant from Guatemala, was previously deported in 2018 after being detained in Arizona. He later reentered the US illegally and lived in a Brooklyn shelter for men facing substance abuse challenges.
A spokesperson for New York City’s Department of Social Services stated they could not comment on ongoing investigations or the status of individual social service recipients. Federal immigration records show Zapeta-Calil returned to Guatemala six days after his deportation but later reentered the US under unknown circumstances.
Subway Safety Concerns
The incident has reignited concerns about subway safety, a rising trend of random attacks, and issues like homelessness and substance abuse. Brooklyn District Attorney Gonzalez vowed to hold Zapeta-Calil accountable.
The arraignment is expected to provide further developments as authorities seek justice in this tragic case.
