Grand jury indicts man accused of setting woman on fire on F train

Zapeta, a Guatemalan migrant deported in 2018, waived his court appearance on Friday.

Shakti Denis

Dec 27, 2024, 10:40 PM

Updated 8 hr ago

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A grand jury has indicted Sebastian Zapeta, 33, on charges of first-degree murder, second-degree murder and arson after he allegedly set a woman on fire aboard a Brooklyn-bound F train early Sunday.
Zapeta, a Guatemalan migrant deported in 2018, waived his court appearance on Friday. Prosecutors say he could face life in prison without parole if convicted.
“This is the first significant step in holding him accountable,” Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said during a news conference outside the courthouse.
Authorities believe the victim was homeless and sleeping on the train when Zapeta lit her on fire with a lighter.
Officials say they are using advanced fingerprinting and DNA analysis to identify the woman.
“This was a malicious deed against a vulnerable woman on our subway system,” Gonzalez said.
Zapeta is expected to appear in court on Jan. 7, when prosecutors will officially unseal the indictment.