The incident was caught on surveillance video, showing the woman trying to stop, drop, and roll in a desperate attempt to extinguish the flames. She suffered burns on over 70% of her body and died at the hospital days later. Zapeta-Calil was arrested on Tuesday after police tracked him down using surveillance images and witness accounts.
The indictment comes as advocates and officials criticize the lack of mental health and homeless outreach services in the city’s subway system. Witnesses stated that Zapeta-Calil was known to have mental health issues and was previously seen sleeping inside the station. Some have called for more funding and resources to address the mental health crisis in the city and prevent similar tragedies from occurring.
Zapeta-Calil is currently being held without bail and is facing a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted on all charges. His defense attorney stated that they are still gathering information on the case and have not yet entered a plea. The next court date is set for later this month.
The victim of the attack has not been identified, and authorities are working to notify her family. The incident has sparked outrage and sadness in the community, with many calling for justice for the victim and increased safety measures in the subway system.
The shocking incident has also raised concerns about the safety of homeless individuals in the city and the need for better outreach and support services. Mayor Eric Adams has pledged to increase outreach efforts and provide more resources to support homeless individuals, particularly those with mental health issues.
Overall, the tragic incident on the Brooklyn subway train has highlighted the need for improved mental health and homeless outreach services in the city. As the case against Zapeta-Calil moves forward, advocates and officials are calling for reforms to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The victim’s family, as well as the community, are seeking justice for the victim and working to ensure the safety of all individuals in the city.
