A Guatemalan man accused of setting a woman on fire on an NYC subway train has been indicted for first-degree murder and arson. The attack, caught on video, has reignited debates on safety on public transport and immigration. Prosecutors seek life without parole for Sebastian Zapeta-Calil.

The man accused of killing a woman by lighting her on fire on a New York City subway on Sunday morning was indicted on four counts of murder, including in the first degree, and one count of arson this Friday, according to Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez. 

Originally from Guatemala, Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, 33, is accused of setting fire to a woman while she was sleeping on a stationary F train at the Stillwell Avenue Subway Station. The victim, who is believed to have been homeless, is yet to be identified. 

NYPD said Zapeta-Calil approached the sleeping woman silently before igniting flames that engulfed her “in a matter of seconds.” The senseless act was caught on video and shows the suspect fanning the flames by waving his shirt around the woman as she continues to burn alive.

Zapeta-Calil is scheduled to go on trial at Kings County Supreme Court on 7 January 2025. If convicted, the suspect can expect to be sentenced to life without parole

“These are significant counts. Murder in the first degree carries the possibility of life without parole. It’s the most serious statute in New York state law, and my office is very confident about the evidence in the case and to hold Zapeta accountable for his dastardly deeds,” Gonzalez said. 

The New York City Office of the Medical Examiner ruled the victim’s cause of death as a homicide by “thermal injuries” and “smoke inhalation”, according to the complaint filed in Brooklyn Criminal Court.

As an undocumented migrant who was previously deported from the U.S. in 2018 before later re-entering illegally, Zapeta-Calil has ignited anti-immigration sentiment among some commentators.

“Biden, Harris and anyone who has supported open borders are responsible for this.  The damage and costs to our medical and education systems will be incalculable,” wrote one X account holder. 

The incident has also heightened discussions around public safety on New York transit, with many civilians, particularly women, taking to social media to express fear and past dangerous encounters while riding the subway. 

One X user wrote, “12 years ago I was on the 7 train and a creep groped me and tried to sit on my lap. I pushed him off and landed a few kicks and yelled abuses. NO ONE in the train car even acknowledged anything was happening, much less come to my rescue. The attitude was always there. We're just discussing how much worse it's got.”

In April, a man was arrested for punching a nine-year-old girl in the face at Grand Central Terminal. Forbes reported a 13.1% increase in crime in New York City transit as of 3 March this year compared to the same period last year.

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