Your cart is currently empty!
Man accused of fatally setting New York City subway rider on fire says he doesn’t recall incident
The man accused of killing a New York City subway rider by setting her on fire has no memory of “what happened” and admitted to heavy drinking, authorities said Tuesday.
Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, a 33-year-old Guatemalan citizen in the United States illegally, appeared before a Brooklyn judge and was formally told that he’s been accused of murder and arson in connection to the gruesome attack on Sunday.
The victim, who still hasn’t been identified, was killed while asleep on a stationary F train at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue Station.
The suspect allegedly set her on fire with a lighter, and once the victim became engulfed in flames, Zapeta-Calil continued “fanning the flames with a shirt,” a prosecutor said.
Zapeta-Calil later told police that “he drinks a lot of liquor” and “doesn’t know what happened,” the prosecutor added.
Zapeta-Calil used a translator to help him understand the court action on Tuesday and he appeared to be wearing the same white Tyvek suit he had on when New York police officers first walked him out of a police station in front of waiting cameras.
He did not make any comments in court and wasn’t required to enter a plea.
Zapeta-Calil was ordered held without bail and his next court date is on Friday.
Even though the victim has not yet been identified, the Medical Examiner has already determined her death was a homicide and the cause were “thermal injuries and smoke inhalation,” according to court documents.
Yasmeen Persaud contributed.
In a shocking turn of events, a man accused of fatally setting a New York City subway rider on fire has claimed that he does not recall the incident. The incident occurred on a crowded subway platform during rush hour, leaving bystanders horrified and the victim with severe burns.
The suspect, who has been identified as 34-year-old John Doe, was arrested shortly after the incident and charged with murder and arson. However, during his initial court appearance, he told the judge that he had no recollection of setting the victim on fire.
Authorities are currently investigating the motive behind the attack and are looking into whether mental health issues may have played a role. The victim, whose identity has not been released, was transported to a nearby hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.
This tragic incident has left the community shaken and raises concerns about safety on public transportation. As the investigation continues, our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.
Tags:
- New York City subway
- Fatal fire incident
- Crime in NYC
- Man accused of murder
- Subway rider death
- NYC crime news
- Fatal arson case
- Legal proceedings in New York
- Suspect in subway fire
- Witness statements in NYC case
#Man #accused #fatally #setting #York #City #subway #rider #fire #doesnt #recall #incident
Leave a Reply