The man accused of killing a New York City subway rider by setting her on fireplace has no reminiscence of “what occurred” and admitted to heavy consuming, authorities mentioned Tuesday.
Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, a 33-year-old Guatemalan citizen within the United States illegally, appeared earlier than a Brooklyn choose and was formally advised that he is been accused of homicide and arson in connection to the grotesque assault on Sunday.
The sufferer, who nonetheless hasn’t been recognized, was killed whereas asleep on a stationary F prepare on the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue Station.
The suspect allegedly set her on fireplace with a lighter, and as soon as the sufferer grew to become engulfed in flames, Zapeta-Calil continued “fanning the flames with a shirt,” a prosecutor mentioned.
Zapeta-Calil later advised police that “he drinks a whole lot of liquor” and “doesn’t know what occurred,” the prosecutor added.
Zapeta-Calil used a translator to assist him perceive the courtroom motion on Tuesday and he gave the impression to be carrying the identical white Tyvek swimsuit he had on when New York cops first walked him out of a police station in entrance of ready cameras.
He didn’t make any feedback in courtroom and wasn’t required to enter a plea.
Zapeta-Calil was ordered held with out bail and his subsequent courtroom date is on Friday.
Even although the sufferer has not but been recognized, the Medical Examiner has already decided her demise was a murder and the trigger have been “thermal accidents and smoke inhalation,” based on courtroom paperwork.