Key Takeaways:
– Sebastian Zapeta, a native of Guatemala who illegally entered the US, is accused of a horrifying murder in a New York City subway.
– Victim Amelia Carter, 29, was allegedly burned to death by Zapeta while she was sleeping.
– Despite having been deported once before, Zapeta had managed to reenter the U.S illegally.
Immigrant Charged in Appalling Subway Crime
Sebastian Zapeta, a 33-year-old immigrant from Guatemala, is now facing first and second-degree murder charges. He’s also been accused of arson relating to a horrifying incident involving a woman sleeping on a New York City subway. The victim, thought to be 29-year-old Amelia Carter, was allegedly burned alive by Zapeta early Sunday morning at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station.
Previous Deportation and Re-Entering the U.S
Zapeta is not a first-time offender. In June 2018, he was arrested by the U.S. Border Patrol for illegally crossing into Sonoita, Arizona. He was deported a few days later. However, the offender managed to reenter the U.S illegally, the specifics of which are unknown. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is planning to lodge an immigration detainer following Zapeta’s charges.
Horrifying Incident Unfolds
Police report that the disturbing incident occurred on an F train where the woman was sleeping at about 7:30 a.m. Officers and a transit worker, who were alerted by the smoke, executed the unpleasant duty of extinguishing the flames engulfing Carter. Despite their efforts, the woman succumbed to her injuries on the scene.
Interestingly, Zapeta remained at the scene of the crime, attracting no suspicion while seated on a bench on the platform just outside the subway car. It was a group of high school New Yorkers who recognized the suspect and reported him.
New York Reaction
This horrific incident has invoked a storm of reactions from the city’s officials. Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez condemned the barbaric act, pledging to bring the perpetrator to justice. The city vows to make every effort to ensure justice and safety for all its inhabitants. However, the subway murder incident gravely questions the safety of New Yorkers, especially given that Governor Kathy Hochul had earlier lauded her measures to boost subway security.
Public Outrage
Contrastingly, just hours after the incident, Governor Kathy Hochul was seen boasting online about her efforts in making the city’s subway safe. This has incited public outrage and criticism, as the gruesome murder stands glaringly in opposition to her claims.
Additionally, the case has drawn a great deal of attention to an NYPD officer noticed in the footage, seemingly ignoring the burning victim and walking away from the scene. The public is demanding that this unidentified officer be held accountable for his actions.
Now, in view of this horrific crime rampant questions and fear continue to plague public conversations about the safety measures within the subway system, and the wider issue of illegal immigration. As the investigation advances, New Yorkers await justice for Amelia Carter.