Immigration officials said Monday the man, Sebastian Zapeta, was in the country illegally.
Police have charged the man they said lit a woman on fire aboard an F train in Brooklyn on Sunday morning, killing her.
Sebastian Zapeta, 33, was charged with murder in the first and second degrees, as well as arson. Police said he was living in East New York at an address on Forbell Avenue. The address appears to be associated with a substance abuse treatment facility. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement said Monday Zapeta was a Guatemalan citizen in the United States illegally, having been served with an expedited removal order in Arizona in 2018, and having returned to the United States without authorization at some unknown time since. ICE said it planned to lodge an immigration detainer with the NYPD.
“The depravity of this horrific crime is beyond comprehension, and my office is committed to bringing the perpetrator to justice," Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said in a statement on Monday. "This gruesome and senseless act of violence against a vulnerable woman will be met with the most serious consequences. Every New Yorker deserves to feel safe on our subways, and we will do everything in our power to ensure accountability in this case.
Authorities said three students called 911 after recognizing the man from images police had shared with the public from on-board video cameras. Police later recognized the man riding the subway in Manhattan, authorities said.Brittany Kriegstein covers all breaking news around New York City, with a focus on crime and gun violence. Got a tip? Email Brittany atArun Venugopal is a senior reporter for the WNYC and Gothamist Race & Justice Unit who focuses on issues of race and bias in our region.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Man in Brooklyn fighting for life after being shot near restaurant: copsA man clings to life after being shot outside a Brooklyn restaurant early on Monday morning.
Read more »
Immigration advocates call on Biden to close detention centers; dismantle immigration systemOne of the largest immigration advocacy groups in Pennsylvania is calling on the Biden administration to end contracts with ICE detention centers and prioritize asylum cases as a way to stave off impacts from incoming Trump policies.
Read more »
Brooklyn politicians speak out after hundreds of pro-Palestine demonstrators riot outside Brooklyn JewishA hefty handful of demonstrators were arrested during a pro-Palestinian protest --and counter-protest -- at a Brooklyn Jewish center last week.
Read more »
Cavs could have a new injury situation to monitor following Monday’s win vs. Brooklyn NetsStarting swingman Isaac Okoro, already filling in for Max Strus, appeared to injure his shoulder during Monday's win over the Brooklyn Nets.
Read more »
Man and woman shot in Brooklyn as officer opens fire, police sayThe NYPD urged the public to avoid Utica Avenue and Park Place.
Read more »
Man fatally shot by NYPD officer in 2014 honored at celebration of life in BrooklynA celebration of life was held Saturday for Akai Gurley, who was shot and killed by a New York City police officer 10 years ago.
Read more »