In a horrifying incident that has shaken the city of New York, a woman was burned to death on an F train at Coney Island’s Stillwell Avenue subway station in Brooklyn. The event unfolded early on the morning of December 22, 2024, leaving commuters and officials in shock and prompting a swift response from law enforcement. The victim, whose identity has not been publicly released, was reportedly asleep on the subway when an unknown male approached and set her on fire with what is believed to have been a lighter. The attack occurred just before 7:30 a.m. as the train was stationary at the station’s end, a time when the subway cars are often left open for cleaning or during a service pause.
According to reports, the woman was surrounded by liquor bottles at the time of the incident, although it remains unclear if these played any role in the fire or the motives behind the attack. Emergency services quickly arrived at the scene, where they found the woman fully engulfed in flames. Despite efforts to extinguish the fire, she succumbed to her injuries on the spot. The assailant, identified as Sebastian Zapeta, a 33-year-old migrant from Guatemala, was apprehended later that same day. Surveillance footage and body camera images from the scene were instrumental in identifying Zapeta, who was caught on another train with a lighter in his pocket. Three high school students recognized the suspect from the images released by the NYPD and called 911, leading to his arrest at Herald Square station in Manhattan.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch described the crime as “one of the most depraved crimes one person could possibly commit against another human being,” during a press conference. The incident has sparked discussions about subway safety, with New York Governor Kathy Hochul having recently increased National Guard patrols in the subway system for the holiday season. Despite these measures, the murder rate in the subway system has reportedly risen by at least 60% this year, according to some sources.
The community’s response has been one of horror and solidarity. Commuters and MTA workers alike expressed disbelief and fear, with one MTA worker noting to a local news outlet that the victim’s clothes appeared to have been completely burned off. This incident follows other violent events in the subway system over the weekend, highlighting ongoing concerns about safety in this critical public space. The motive behind this chilling act remains under investigation. There was no known interaction between the victim and Zapeta before the attack, and the police are currently exploring all possible angles, including whether the attack was random or targeted.
The tragedy has reignited debates on crime, mental health, and immigration policies in New York City. Posts on X have reflected a range of sentiments, from calls for stricter immigration control to demands for better security measures in public transit. However, these posts also underscore the need for caution; while they provide a snapshot of public sentiment, they do not offer conclusive evidence or official statements. As this case moves forward, it serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by individuals in public spaces and the urgent need for effective safety measures to protect them. The NYPD continues to seek information from the public and has thanked the community for their cooperation in apprehending the suspect.
For those looking for more details or ways to assist in the ongoing investigation, the NYPD has encouraged anyone with information to contact their Crime Stoppers Hotline or submit tips online.
This tragic event not only mourns the loss of a life but also prompts a broader conversation about safety, community, and human dignity in one of the world’s busiest transit systems.