In a shocking incident that has captured national attention, Sebastian Zapeta, a 33-year-old Guatemalan migrant, was arrested for allegedly setting a woman on fire in a New York subway station. The attack occurred on December 21, 2024, during a late-night train stop in Manhattan, resulting in the death of 45-year-old Maria Ramos. Witnesses described the harrowing scene; one witness recalled, ‘People were screaming, and it was chaos. She was on fire, and nobody knew what to do.’ Ramos was reportedly an advocate for domestic violence survivors, and her tragic death has sparked outrage and demands for justice.
According to police reports, Zapeta approached Ramos while she was waiting for the train, and after a brief altercation, he doused her in a flammable substance and ignited it. He fled the scene but was apprehended shortly afterward by officers responding to the horrific event. Authorities are currently investigating Zapeta’s background, as reports indicate he arrived in the U.S. as an undocumented migrant just a few weeks prior.
The New York City Police Department, in a statement following the incident, expressed their condolences to Ramos’s family and reiterated their commitment to addressing safety within the transit system. They stated, ‘This senseless act of violence cannot go unpunished, and we will ensure that justice is served.’ The incident has raised fresh concerns about street violence and the safety of the subway system, leading to calls for improved security measures. New York City Mayor Eric Adams is expected to address the community soon.
Community advocates are also rallying to honor Ramos, highlighting her contributions to the fight against domestic violence. Following the incident, local organizations called for a vigil to honor her memory. One organizer stated, ‘Maria was a beacon of hope for many. We cannot let her death go in vain; we must fight for a safer community.’ As the investigation continues, many are left grappling with the senselessness of the act and the implications for public safety in New York City.
