Shakti Denis

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Dec 27, 2024, 5:40 PM

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Updated

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A grand jury has indicted Sebastian Zapeta, 33, on charges of first-degree murder, second-degree murder and arson after he allegedly set a woman on fire aboard a Brooklyn-bound F train early Sunday.

Zapeta, a Guatemalan migrant deported in 2018, waived his court appearance on Friday. Prosecutors say he could face life in prison without parole if convicted.

RELATED: NYPD: Man who set woman on fire onboard Brooklyn subway faces murder charges

“This is the first significant step in holding him accountable,” Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said during a news conference outside the courthouse.

Authorities believe the victim was homeless and sleeping on the train when Zapeta lit her on fire with a lighter.

Officials say they are using advanced fingerprinting and DNA analysis to identify the woman.

“This was a malicious deed against a vulnerable woman on our subway system,” Gonzalez said.

Zapeta is expected to appear in court on Jan. 7, when prosecutors will officially unseal the indictment.