As of December 29, 2024, no one knows the name of the woman who was set ablaze in a NYC subway train. The first and second-degree murder and arson indictment was announced for Sebastian Zepeta-Calil. Zepeta set the woman on fire as she slept on the Coney Island F Train three days before Christmas.

Passersby filmed the horrific scene as it unfolded in real time. Witnesses stated that many NYPD Officers walked by the burning train and offered no assistance. It was only later that other Officers smelled smoke and responded to a standing person engulfed in flames. The stationary rail cart was on display for all to see and will leave a lasting impression on the world as it was captured on security cameras and mobile phones. Police Bodycam captured Zepeta calmly sitting on a bench after the devastating attack. He was taken into custody without incident.

Zepeta is a 33-year-old undocumented migrant from Guatemala. A spokesperson for Immigration and Customs Enforcement says Zepeta reentered the US illegally after being removed by US Bordar Patrol in Sonoita, Arizona back in 2018. He is scheduled for court Friday and held with no bail. It is still unclear why Zepeta committed the violent act. When asked why he did the attack, he stated that “he didn’t recall”, but did admit to drinking heavily. He used a lighter to start the fire and fanned the flames with a shirt. The unknown woman died of smoke inhalation and thermal injuries as determined by the medical examiner.

The National Guard was sent out as a show of force and to beef up security measures at the NYC substation. Gov. Kathy Hochul claimed she made “the subways safer” right before the Dec 22nd subway fire that claimed the life of an unknown victim.  Everyday train riders say the presence of the Guards has made an immediate difference and they feel more secure as they must deal with mental health, homelessness, and crime daily.