A sleeping woman was tragically burned alive on a subway train in Brooklyn, New York, in a brutal act of violence.
The victim, whose identity is still not confirmed, was allegedly set on fire by an illegal immigrant from Guatemala, identified as Sebastian Zapeta-Calil.
The horrific attack has sparked outrage, particularly from advocacy groups, who say the woman was likely homeless.
According to the Coalition for the Homeless, the victim, who had a walker and several bags with her, is believed to have been living on the streets.
The group emphasized that the city’s failure to address the affordable housing crisis has left many individuals vulnerable to similar tragedies.
“Homeless lives matter,” said Rev. Kevin McCall, a civil rights activist, during a prayer vigil held at the Stillwell Avenue-Coney Island subway station.
He called for greater attention from city officials, urging the police commissioner, governor, and mayor to take action.
He also pointed out that the slogan “If you see something, say something” felt meaningless when no one intervened to stop the woman’s horrific death.
A long-time MTA station agent, Benjamin Welcome, shared his concern about the lack of safety in the city’s subway system, urging for more care for all New Yorkers.
“We are in a city in crisis,” he stated. “We need to care for everybody, not just those who have.”
The tragic incident took place early Sunday morning when Zapeta-Calil allegedly set the woman on fire while she was sleeping on the train.
Police are still working to identify the victim and may use dental records due to the severity of the burns.
The suspect, Zapeta-Calil, is currently being held without bail at Rikers Island on charges of first-degree murder and arson.
The attack highlights the pressing need for reform and increased attention to the homelessness crisis in New York, as the victim’s death continues to spark protests and demands for action.
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Archer Bannister is a journalist with 4 years of experience covering hard-hitting stories. Currently working with Mikeandjonpodcast, Archer specializes in delivering timely and in-depth updates on a variety of topics, including crime news, politics, and national issues affecting the USA. His expertise and dedication to delivering accurate, impactful news make him a trusted voice for audiences seeking to stay informed on critical topics.
