An illegal immigrant accused of burning a New York City subway passenger to death on Sunday has been charged with murder.
Sebastian Zapeta, 33, was charged with one count of first-degree murder, three counts of second-degree murder and one count of arson after setting a woman on fire on the subway. Brooklyn, New York. The indictment was filed Thursday and is scheduled to be unsealed at an arraignment hearing on Jan. 7.
Zapeta's lawyer told the judge that he spoke with his client on Friday and asked for permission to waive his appearance in court. The judge granted the request.
Zapeta is an immigrant who was previously deported from Guatemala.
Sebastian Zapeta, charged with setting a woman on fire on a New York City subway train, appears in a New York courtroom on Tuesday, December 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Curtis means via pool)
This is breaking news and will be updated.
