Illegal immigrant charged with murder after woman burned to death on subway

The illegal migrant accused of burning a New York City subway rider 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 a woman was set on fire and burned to death on a subway train in Brooklyn, New York. The indictment was filed Thursday and will be revealed at an arraignment hearing on Jan. 7.

Zapeta’s attorney told the judge that he spoke with his client on Friday and asked for permission to waive his client’s appearance. The judge granted the request.

Zipta is a immigrant previously deported from Guatemala.

Sebastian Zapeta, accused of setting a woman on fire inside a New York City subway train, appears in court on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Curtis means via Pool)

This is breaking news and will be updated.