A man accused of killing a woman by setting her on fire in a New York City subway claimed he “doesn’t know what happened,” according to NBC News.
Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, 33, is accused of starting the deadly fire on Sunday, December 22. Prosecutors say he used a lighter to ignite the fire, and as the flames engulfed the victim, he allegedly fanned them with a shirt... Continue reading here ▶
Surveillance footage showed the victim sleeping on an idle F train at Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue Station around 7:30 a.m. Zapeta-Calil, who was sitting across from her, reportedly set her and the blanket she was under on fire. He later told police he had been drinking heavily and couldn’t remember what happened.
The victim, whose identity has not been confirmed, and Zapeta-Calil were the only ones in the subway car. After setting the fire, Zapeta-Calil allegedly left the train, sat on a nearby bench, and watched as the woman burned. Officials believe she was unconscious the entire time.
A walker was found near the scene, suggesting the woman had difficulty walking. She was wearing several layers of clothing, which authorities say helped the fire spread. Officials believe she was homeless and over 18 years old.
Zapeta-Calil was arrested after three high school students recognized him from surveillance footage released to the public. Police found him at a Herald Square train station with a lighter in his pocket, according to NYPD Chief of Transit Joseph Gulotta.
The medical examiner ruled the woman’s death a homicide caused by “thermal injuries and smoke inhalation.”
In court, Zapeta-Calil was charged with first- and second-degree murder and arson. He pleaded not guilty and was held without bail.
He appeared in court wearing the same hazmat suit he was seen in during his earlier police escort. He is scheduled to appear in court again on Friday, December 27. Authorities revealed that Zapeta-Calil is an undocumented Guatemalan citizen who was deported in 2018.
Both the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner have been contacted for more information.
