In a harrowing incident at Brooklyn&#39s Stillwell Avenue Subway station in Coney Island, a woman tragically lost her life after being set on fire. The suspect, identified as 33-year-old Sebastian Zapeta, a Guatemalan migrant, allegedly threw a lit match at the victim while she was seated on the train.Immediate response and arrestThe attack triggered a swift response from security personnel, who detected smoke emanating from the subway car. MTA employees quickly used a fire extinguisher to douse the flames, but the victim had already succumbed to her injuries.Zapeta remained at the scene following the attack, sitting on a bench outside the train. His presence was captured on body cameras worn by station officers. Hours later, school students spotted him on another train and notified authorities. Zapeta was arrested on a Manhattan-bound train at 34th Street, still wearing the same clothes from the incident. A lighter was recovered from his possession.🚨🇺🇸HORRIFIC SUBWAY ATTACK: WOMAN BURNED TO DEATH IN NYCA man set a sleeping woman on fire inside a Coney Island F train, then calmly watched as she burned to death in a shocking attack.The horrifying incident occurred Sunday morning at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue… pic.twitter.com/nr79QrHXML— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) December 22, 2024Who is Sebastian ZapetaAuthorities revealed that Zapeta entered the United States through Arizona in 2018, and his immigration status is currently under review. The victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, was reportedly surrounded by liquor bottles at the time of the attack.A circulating video of the attack shows Zapeta throwing a lit match at the woman and watching as flames engulfed her. MTA employees reportedly dimmed the lights to shield the aftermath from public view.Broader context of subway safetyThis incident is one of several violent events recently reported in New York City&#39s subway system, raising questions about public safety. The attack starkly contrasts with Governor Kathy Hochul&#39s recent statements about enhanced subway security.The NYPD has scheduled a press conference to provide further updates, including details about the suspect&#39s background and possible motives.
