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Guatemalan Illegal Immigrant Arrested In Connection to Brooklyn Subway Arson Attack
Charlie Kirk Staff
12/23/2024
Sebastin Zapeta, a 33-year-old illegal immigrant from Guatemala, has been arrested in connection to the horrifying death of a woman who was set on fire aboard a subway train in Brooklyn, New York. The incident occurred Sunday on an F train at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station.
According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) spokesperson Marie Ferguson, Zapeta was previously deported in June 2018 after being apprehended crossing the border illegally in Sonoita, Arizona. Despite this, he re-entered the U.S. illegally at an unknown time and location, Fox News reports.
Ferguson stated that ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations will issue an immigration detainer for Zapeta once his location is confirmed after charges are filed. As of Monday, no charges had been formally brought against him.
Surveillance footage captured the chilling crime, showing Zapeta calmly approaching the woman, who appeared to be sleeping, before setting her on fire. Her clothing was engulfed in flames within seconds. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch described the act as “one of the most depraved crimes one person could possibly commit against another human being.”
The suspect was later seen sitting on a bench near the train, watching as first responders extinguished the flames. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Hours after the attack, Zapeta was arrested while riding the same subway line. Authorities reportedly found a lighter in his possession.
Kings County District Attorney’s office released a statement promising accountability, calling the crime “gruesome and senseless.” They emphasized their commitment to ensuring justice for the victim and safety for all New Yorkers.
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