Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, a 33-year-old Guatemalan man, has been charged with the murder of a woman who was tragically set on fire on a New York subway car. The incident occurred on December 22, 2024, while the victim was sleeping on a stationary F train at the Stillwell Avenue Subway Station in Brooklyn. Zapeta-Calil was arrested by the New York police shortly after the attack, and federal officials from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed that he was in the country unlawfully. He had previously entered the U.S. in June 2018 but was deported back to Guatemala a mere six days later.
Despite being deported, Zapeta-Calil managed to re-enter the United States illegally at an unknown time and location. As a result of this ongoing investigation and his criminal charges, federal officials have indicated that they will seek to deport him after the conclusion of his criminal case. Currently facing serious charges, including first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and first-degree arson, it remains unclear whether he has secured legal representation for his defense.
At around 7:30 a.m. on the day of the attack, the unnamed victim was targeted by Zapeta-Calil, who allegedly approached her while she was asleep and used a lighter to ignite her clothing. The brutal act left the woman with fatal injuries, leading to her death at the scene. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch emphasized during a press conference that the suspect did not attempt to flee but rather remained on the platform, where officers were able to capture clear imagery of him through body cameras.
The incident has raised significant concerns about public safety in the subway system, particularly in light of the violent nature of the attack. Authorities are intensifying efforts to address such violence and ensure that the subway remains a safe transportation option for its users. As investigations continue, the actions taken by Zapeta-Calil have prompted discussions about immigration policies and the legal ramifications for those who have been deported and subsequently re-enter the country illegally.
While the full details surrounding Zapeta-Calil’s re-entry into the U.S. remain unclear, federal officials have insisted that they will ensure his immigration status is addressed following the resolution of his criminal case. This could involve a formal request for his transfer to ICE custody, which would facilitate his deportation once the judicial process has concluded. The ongoing legal proceedings will likely draw attention both for the heinous nature of the crime and the implications related to immigration enforcement.
As the legal process unfolds, public reaction to the incident continues to be one of shock and outrage. Many members of the community have expressed deep concern for safety in public spaces and have called for more robust measures to combat violence. The case not only highlights the tragic loss of life but also the ongoing complexities within immigration systems, law enforcement, and the society’s broader struggles with crime and safety.