Man accused of fatally burning woman in NYC subway indicted on 4 counts of murder, arson charge, Brooklyn DA says

NEW YORK – A grand jury has indicted the person accused of setting a woman on fire aboard a Brooklyn subway train, Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez introduced Friday. 

Investigators say the unidentified sufferer was sleeping when Sebastian Zapeta, 33, used a lighter to set her clothes on fire. In line with the felony criticism, Zapeta used a shirt to fan the flames. 

Zapeta waived his courtroom look Friday, and can be arraigned on Jan. 7, when the indictment can be unsealed. He’ll face 4 counts of homicide and an arson cost, Gonzalez introduced.

“Right now we take our first important step in direction of pursuing justice on this case, with the grand jury having indicted Sebastian Zapeta with 4 counts of homicide. Homicide within the first diploma, three counts of homicide within the second diploma, and arson within the first diploma. These are important counts. Homicide within the first diploma carries the potential of life with out parole. It is essentially the most severe statute in New York state legislation, and my workplace may be very assured in regards to the proof on this case and our means to carry Zapeta accountable for his dastardly deeds,” Gonzalez stated. 

State vs. federal costs

Mayor Eric Adams’ workplace is pushing for federal costs to be added in opposition to Zapeta. 

“Lighting one other human being on hearth and watching them burn alive displays a degree of evil that can’t be tolerated,” Adams’ workplace stated in an announcement. 

Gonzalez responded to that Friday, saying the state costs carry a extra extreme penalty than federal costs would on this case. 

“We consider very strongly that this case belongs in state courtroom as a result of the costs listed here are extra important than at the moment in federal courtroom, however we have now a really sturdy working relationship with our federal companions, and naturally will at all times do what’s in the very best curiosity of the individuals of the state of New York and town of Brooklyn, as a result of we need to be sure he is absolutely held accountable,” Gonzalez stated. “This was a malicious deed. A sleeping, susceptible lady on our subway system.”

Gonzalez stated the killing was “intentional” they usually intend to show that in courtroom. 

Grand jurors have seen video proof, Gonzalez stated, together with disturbing photos of the sufferer on hearth. 

“It is clear that it seems that a lighter was used to set her on hearth,” Gonzalez stated. 

Gonzalez stated officers are nonetheless engaged on figuring out the sufferer. 

Zapeta is a Guatemalan citizen who federal officers say entered the U.S. illegally, was deported, after which returned to the U.S. illegally. 

Unidentified sufferer honored at vigil 

Authorities nonetheless haven’t recognized the lady who was killed. 

Thursday, community leaders gathered on the F train platform at the Stillwell station in Coney Island to pray for her. They referred to as her demise a systemic failure. 

“Her life mattered. Thank God they caught the person who did this. But it surely’s not simply the particular person’s fault. It is the system’s fault. The system failed,” Rev. Kevin McCall stated. “Homeless lives matter. She was burned up so dangerous the police couldn’t even determine who she is.”