New York police on Monday (Dec 23) charged a 33-year-old Guatemalan citizen in the horrific subway immolation murder case. The illegal migrant identified as Sebastian Zapeta had allegedly set a sleeping woman on fire over the weekend. He has been charged with murder and arson, said the police.

<h2>'Gruesome and senseless' crime</h2>

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez expressed outrage over the crime, calling it "gruesome and senseless."&nbsp;

In a statement, he said, "The depravity of this horrific crime is beyond comprehension, and my office is committed to bringing the perpetrator to justice".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/subway-horror-in-new-york-sleeping-woman-set-on-fire-by-stranger-police-nab-suspect-786079">Subway horror in New York: Sleeping woman set on fire by stranger, police nab suspect</a>

He pledged to seek the most severe consequences available under the law, stating, "This gruesome and senseless act of violence against a vulnerable woman will be met with the most serious consequences."

<h2>Who is Sebastian Zapeta?</h2>

According to the US Department of Homeland, 33-year-old Sebastian Zapeta is a Guatemalan citizen who illegally entered America in 2018 and was deported to Guatemala a few days later.

Zapeta faces charges of murder and arson, and if convicted, he could receive a lengthy prison sentence. Federal authorities have said they intend to remove him from the US whenever he is released from New York custody.

<h2>What happened?</h2>

At around 7:30 am local time on Sunday (Dec 22), the suspect, as per reports, approached the victim in a train car. Both were riding an F line train at Stillwell Avenue in Brooklyn, said NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch.

The suspect intentionally set the victim, who was "motionless," on fire before fleeing the scene. He used a lighter to ignite the victim's clothing, "which became fully engulfed in a matter of seconds," said Tisch.

The lighter was later found in his pocket.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-musk-not-gonna-be-president-vows-to-make-male-and-female-the-only-two-legal-genders-in-us-786064">Trump says Musk 'not gonna be president,' vows to make 'male and female' the only two legal genders in US</a>

The fire was put out; however, first responders declared the victim dead at the scene.

Police have yet to identify the victim by name.&nbsp;

The "brutal murder" was captured on a security camera inside the subway car, said Michael Kemper, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s chief security officer.

(With inputs from agencies)

New York police on Monday (Dec 23) charged a 33-year-old Guatemalan citizen in the horrific subway immolation murder case. The illegal migrant identified as Sebastian Zapeta had allegedly set a sleeping woman on fire over the weekend.

New York police on Monday (Dec 23) charged a 33-year-old Guatemalan citizen in the horrific subway immolation murder case. The illegal migrant identified as Sebastian Zapeta had allegedly set a sleeping woman on fire over the weekend. He has been charged with murder and arson, said the police. 'Gruesome and senseless' crime Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez expressed outrage over the crime, calling it "gruesome and senseless." In a statement, he said, "The depravity of this horrific crime is beyond comprehension, and my office is committed to bringing the perpetrator to justice". Also read | Subway horror in New York: Sleeping woman set on fire by stranger, police nab suspect He pledged to seek the most severe consequences available under the law, stating, "This gruesome and senseless act of violence against a vulnerable woman will be met with the most serious consequences." Who is Sebastian Zapeta? According to the US Department of Homeland, 33-year-old Sebastian Zapeta is a Guatemalan citizen who illegally entered America in 2018 and was deported to Guatemala a few days later. Zapeta faces charges of murder and arson, and if convicted, he could receive a lengthy prison sentence. Federal authorities have said they intend to remove him from the US whenever he is released from New York custody. What happened? At around 7:30 am local time on Sunday (Dec 22), the suspect, as per reports, approached the victim in a train car. Both were riding an F line train at Stillwell Avenue in Brooklyn, said NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch. The suspect intentionally set the victim, who was "motionless," on fire before fleeing the scene. He used a lighter to ignite the victim's clothing, "which became fully engulfed in a matter of seconds," said Tisch. The lighter was later found in his pocket. Also read | Trump says Musk 'not gonna be president,' vows to make 'male and female' the only two legal genders in US The fire was put out; however, first responders declared the victim dead at the scene. Police have yet to identify the victim by name. The "brutal murder" was captured on a security camera inside the subway car, said Michael Kemper, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s chief security officer. (With inputs from agencies)

New York subway horror: Illegal immigrant Sebastian Zapeta charged for setting sleeping woman on fire 

New York, United States
New York police on Monday (Dec 23) charged a 33-year-old Guatemalan citizen in the horrific subway immolation murder case. The illegal migrant identified as Sebastian Zapeta had allegedly set a sleeping woman on fire over the weekend. He has been charged with murder and arson, said the police.
<h2>'Gruesome and senseless' crime</h2>
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez expressed outrage over the crime, calling it "gruesome and senseless." 
In a statement, he said, "The depravity of this horrific crime is beyond comprehension, and my office is committed to bringing the perpetrator to justice".
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/subway-horror-in-new-york-sleeping-woman-set-on-fire-by-stranger-police-nab-suspect-786079">Subway horror in New York: Sleeping woman set on fire by stranger, police nab suspect</a>
He pledged to seek the most severe consequences available under the law, stating, "This gruesome and senseless act of violence against a vulnerable woman will be met with the most serious consequences."
<h2>Who is Sebastian Zapeta?</h2>
According to the US Department of Homeland, 33-year-old Sebastian Zapeta is a Guatemalan citizen who illegally entered America in 2018 and was deported to Guatemala a few days later.
Zapeta faces charges of murder and arson, and if convicted, he could receive a lengthy prison sentence. Federal authorities have said they intend to remove him from the US whenever he is released from New York custody.
<h2>What happened?</h2>
At around 7:30 am local time on Sunday (Dec 22), the suspect, as per reports, approached the victim in a train car. Both were riding an F line train at Stillwell Avenue in Brooklyn, said NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
The suspect intentionally set the victim, who was "motionless," on fire before fleeing the scene. He used a lighter to ignite the victim's clothing, "which became fully engulfed in a matter of seconds," said Tisch.
The lighter was later found in his pocket.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-musk-not-gonna-be-president-vows-to-make-male-and-female-the-only-two-legal-genders-in-us-786064">Trump says Musk 'not gonna be president,' vows to make 'male and female' the only two legal genders in US</a>
The fire was put out; however, first responders declared the victim dead at the scene.
Police have yet to identify the victim by name. 
The "brutal murder" was captured on a security camera inside the subway car, said Michael Kemper, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s chief security officer.
(With inputs from agencies)

According to the US Department of Homeland, 33-year-old Sebastian Zapeta is a Guatemalan citizen who illegally entered America in 2018 and was deported to Guatemala a few days later



New York, United States New York police on Monday (Dec 23) charged a 33-year-old Guatemalan citizen in the horrific subway immolation murder case. The illegal migrant identified as Sebastian Zapeta had allegedly set a sleeping woman on fire over the weekend. He has been charged with murder and arson, said the police. 'Gruesome and senseless' crime Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez expressed outrage over the crime, calling it "gruesome and senseless." In a statement, he said, "The depravity of this horrific crime is beyond comprehension, and my office is committed to bringing the perpetrator to justice". Also read | Subway horror in New York: Sleeping woman set on fire by stranger, police nab suspect He pledged to seek the most severe consequences available under the law, stating, "This gruesome and senseless act of violence against a vulnerable woman will be met with the most serious consequences." Who is Sebastian Zapeta? According to the US Department of Homeland, 33-year-old Sebastian Zapeta is a Guatemalan citizen who illegally entered America in 2018 and was deported to Guatemala a few days later. Zapeta faces charges of murder and arson, and if convicted, he could receive a lengthy prison sentence. Federal authorities have said they intend to remove him from the US whenever he is released from New York custody. What happened? At around 7:30 am local time on Sunday (Dec 22), the suspect, as per reports, approached the victim in a train car. Both were riding an F line train at Stillwell Avenue in Brooklyn, said NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch. The suspect intentionally set the victim, who was "motionless," on fire before fleeing the scene. He used a lighter to ignite the victim's clothing, "which became fully engulfed in a matter of seconds," said Tisch. The lighter was later found in his pocket. Also read | Trump says Musk 'not gonna be president,' vows to make 'male and female' the only two legal genders in US The fire was put out; however, first responders declared the victim dead at the scene. Police have yet to identify the victim by name. The "brutal murder" was captured on a security camera inside the subway car, said Michael Kemper, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s chief security officer. (With inputs from agencies)

New York, United States
In New York, on Sunday (Dec 22), a female subway passenger was set on fire by another passenger, while she slept. The man who committed this heinous crime was captured on CCTV and has been apprehended by the New York police.
<h2>What happened?</h2>
At around 7:30 am, the suspect, as per reports, approached the victim in a train car. Both of them were riding an F train end of the line at Stillwell Avenue in Brooklyn, said NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
The suspect intentionally set the victim, who was "motionless," on fire before fleeing the scene. To carry out the horrific crime, he used a lighter to ignite the victim's clothing, "which became fully engulfed in a matter of seconds," said Tisch. The lighter was later found in his pocket.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-musk-not-gonna-be-president-vows-to-make-male-and-female-the-only-two-legal-genders-in-us-786064">Trump says Musk 'not gonna be president,' vows to make 'male and female' the only two legal genders in US</a>
The fire was put out; however, first responders declared the victim dead at the scene.
Police are yet to identify by name the victim and the suspect. They are now investigating the incident as a homicide.
The "brutal murder" was captured on a security camera inside the subway car, said Michael Kemper, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s chief security officer.
<h2>How was the suspect caught?</h2>
The suspect, as per Tisch, stayed on the scene after lighting the woman on fire. He was found sitting on a bench on the platform just outside the train car where he committed the murder. 
"Unbeknownst to the officers who responded, the suspect had stayed on the scene and was seated on a bench on the platform just outside the train car, and the body-worn cameras on the responding officers produced a very clear, detailed look at the killer," said Tisch.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/only-12-aid-trucks-reached-starving-civilians-in-northern-gaza-since-october-reveals-oxfam-786062">Only 12 aid trucks reached starving civilians in northern Gaza since October, reveals Oxfam</a>
Police noted that there was no interaction between the victim and the suspect before the incident, and they believe the two people did not know each other. The motive behind the attack is still under investigation.
(With inputs from agencies)

At around 7:30 am, the suspect, as per reports, approached the victim in a train car before intentionally setting the victim, who was "motionless," on fire, before fleeing the scene. Both of them were riding an F train end of the line at Stillwell Avenue in Brooklyn, said NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch



New York, United States In New York, on Sunday (Dec 22), a female subway passenger was set on fire by another passenger, while she slept. The man who committed this heinous crime was captured on CCTV and has been apprehended by the New York police. What happened? At around 7:30 am, the suspect, as per reports, approached the victim in a train car. Both of them were riding an F train end of the line at Stillwell Avenue in Brooklyn, said NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch. The suspect intentionally set the victim, who was "motionless," on fire before fleeing the scene. To carry out the horrific crime, he used a lighter to ignite the victim's clothing, "which became fully engulfed in a matter of seconds," said Tisch. The lighter was later found in his pocket. Also read | Trump says Musk 'not gonna be president,' vows to make 'male and female' the only two legal genders in US The fire was put out; however, first responders declared the victim dead at the scene. Police are yet to identify by name the victim and the suspect. They are now investigating the incident as a homicide. The "brutal murder" was captured on a security camera inside the subway car, said Michael Kemper, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s chief security officer. How was the suspect caught? The suspect, as per Tisch, stayed on the scene after lighting the woman on fire. He was found sitting on a bench on the platform just outside the train car where he committed the murder. "Unbeknownst to the officers who responded, the suspect had stayed on the scene and was seated on a bench on the platform just outside the train car, and the body-worn cameras on the responding officers produced a very clear, detailed look at the killer," said Tisch. Also read | Only 12 aid trucks reached starving civilians in northern Gaza since October, reveals Oxfam Police noted that there was no interaction between the victim and the suspect before the incident, and they believe the two people did not know each other. The motive behind the attack is still under investigation. (With inputs from agencies)

Subway horror in New York: Sleeping woman set on fire by stranger, police nab suspect

In New York, on Sunday (Dec 22), a female subway passenger was set on fire by another passenger, while she slept. The man who committed this heinous crime was captured on CCTV and has been apprehended by the New York police.

<h2>What happened?</h2>

At around 7:30 am, the suspect, as per reports, approached the victim in a train car. Both of them were riding an F train end of the line at Stillwell Avenue in Brooklyn, said NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch.

The suspect intentionally set the victim, who was "motionless," on fire before fleeing the scene. To carry out the horrific crime, he used a lighter to ignite the victim's clothing, "which became fully engulfed in a matter of seconds," said Tisch. The lighter was later found in his pocket.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-musk-not-gonna-be-president-vows-to-make-male-and-female-the-only-two-legal-genders-in-us-786064">Trump says Musk 'not gonna be president,' vows to make 'male and female' the only two legal genders in US</a>

The fire was put out; however, first responders declared the victim dead at the scene.

Police are yet to identify by name the victim and the suspect. They are now investigating the incident as a homicide.

The "brutal murder" was captured on a security camera inside the subway car, said Michael Kemper, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s chief security officer.

<h2>How was the suspect caught?</h2>

The suspect, as per Tisch, stayed on the scene after lighting the woman on fire. He was found sitting on a bench on the platform just outside the train car where he committed the murder.&nbsp;

"Unbeknownst to the officers who responded, the suspect had stayed on the scene and was seated on a bench on the platform just outside the train car, and the body-worn cameras on the responding officers produced a very clear, detailed look at the killer," said Tisch.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/only-12-aid-trucks-reached-starving-civilians-in-northern-gaza-since-october-reveals-oxfam-786062">Only 12 aid trucks reached starving civilians in northern Gaza since October, reveals Oxfam</a>

Police noted that there was no interaction between the victim and the suspect before the incident, and they believe the two people did not know each other. The motive behind the attack is still under investigation.

(With inputs from agencies)

In New York, on Sunday (Dec 22), a female subway passenger was set on fire by another passenger, while she slept. The man who committed this heinous crime was captured on CCTV and has been apprehended by the New York police.

In New York, on Sunday (Dec 22), a female subway passenger was set on fire by another passenger, while she slept. The man who committed this heinous crime was captured on CCTV and has been apprehended by the New York police. What happened? At around 7:30 am, the suspect, as per reports, approached the victim in a train car. Both of them were riding an F train end of the line at Stillwell Avenue in Brooklyn, said NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch. The suspect intentionally set the victim, who was "motionless," on fire before fleeing the scene. To carry out the horrific crime, he used a lighter to ignite the victim's clothing, "which became fully engulfed in a matter of seconds," said Tisch. The lighter was later found in his pocket. Also read | Trump says Musk 'not gonna be president,' vows to make 'male and female' the only two legal genders in US The fire was put out; however, first responders declared the victim dead at the scene. Police are yet to identify by name the victim and the suspect. They are now investigating the incident as a homicide. The "brutal murder" was captured on a security camera inside the subway car, said Michael Kemper, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s chief security officer. How was the suspect caught? The suspect, as per Tisch, stayed on the scene after lighting the woman on fire. He was found sitting on a bench on the platform just outside the train car where he committed the murder. "Unbeknownst to the officers who responded, the suspect had stayed on the scene and was seated on a bench on the platform just outside the train car, and the body-worn cameras on the responding officers produced a very clear, detailed look at the killer," said Tisch. Also read | Only 12 aid trucks reached starving civilians in northern Gaza since October, reveals Oxfam Police noted that there was no interaction between the victim and the suspect before the incident, and they believe the two people did not know each other. The motive behind the attack is still under investigation. (With inputs from agencies)

A Nigerian man was set ablaze in the capital Abuja by the supporters of a Muslim cleric over blasphemy charges. This is the second incident in two months after a Christian woman was burnt to death by a mob in May after she was accused of insulting the Prophet Mohammad.

In the Saturday incident, 30-year-old Ahmad Usman, a local vigilante member, was confronted by an angry mob, numbering about 200. They beat, stoned and then set Usman ablaze before police officials intervened.

According to reports, the matter escalated after Usman got into an argument with an unidentified Muslim cleric in the Lugbe area of Abuja.

"The heated argument degenerated into an outbreak of violence that led to the murder and setting ablaze of Ahmad Usman by the enraged mob mobilized by the clergy numbering about two hundred," Josephine Adeh, police spokesperson for Abuja, was quoted as saying by Reuters.

Though Nigeria is a secular nation, some states in the north where the Muslim community is in a majority observe Islamic sharia and have courts that punish those accused of deviating from its practices.

Since the incident, police and ambush teams have been patrolling the area and keeping a tight vigil over any unscrupulous activity. Adeh said normalcy has been restored. No arrests have been made.

Meanwhile, Abuja’s police commissioner on Sunday said the perpetrators will be sanctioned and warned against the use of so called “jungle justice” — taking the law into one’s own hands, reports VOA news.

However, many businesses in the area remained shut Saturday evening over fear that more violence could erupt.

Blasphemy is a sensitive topic in Africa's most populous nation with a delicate balance of Muslim and Christian populations.

Three weeks ago, a mob in northwest Sokoto state killed and burned the body of a Christian student of the Shehu Shagari College over alleged blasphemy.

The incident triggered protests by Christian groups and human rights organizations. Some of the groups called for the authorities to expunge blasphemy from punishable crimes under the Nigerian law, but for now, it remains on the books.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A Nigerian man was set ablaze in the capital Abuja by the supporters of a Muslim cleric over blasphemy charges. This is the second incident in two months after a Christian woman was burnt to death by a mob in May after she was accused of insulting the Prophet Mohammad.

A Nigerian man was set ablaze in the capital Abuja by the supporters of a Muslim cleric over blasphemy charges. This is the second incident in two months after a Christian woman was burnt to death by a mob in May after she was accused of insulting the Prophet Mohammad. In the Saturday incident, 30-year-old Ahmad Usman, a local vigilante member, was confronted by an angry mob, numbering about 200. They beat, stoned and then set Usman ablaze before police officials intervened. According to reports, the matter escalated after Usman got into an argument with an unidentified Muslim cleric in the Lugbe area of Abuja. "The heated argument degenerated into an outbreak of violence that led to the murder and setting ablaze of Ahmad Usman by the enraged mob mobilized by the clergy numbering about two hundred," Josephine Adeh, police spokesperson for Abuja, was quoted as saying by Reuters. Though Nigeria is a secular nation, some states in the north where the Muslim community is in a majority observe Islamic sharia and have courts that punish those accused of deviating from its practices. Since the incident, police and ambush teams have been patrolling the area and keeping a tight vigil over any unscrupulous activity. Adeh said normalcy has been restored. No arrests have been made. Meanwhile, Abuja’s police commissioner on Sunday said the perpetrators will be sanctioned and warned against the use of so called “jungle justice” — taking the law into one’s own hands, reports VOA news. However, many businesses in the area remained shut Saturday evening over fear that more violence could erupt. Blasphemy is a sensitive topic in Africa's most populous nation with a delicate balance of Muslim and Christian populations. Three weeks ago, a mob in northwest Sokoto state killed and burned the body of a Christian student of the Shehu Shagari College over alleged blasphemy. The incident triggered protests by Christian groups and human rights organizations. Some of the groups called for the authorities to expunge blasphemy from punishable crimes under the Nigerian law, but for now, it remains on the books. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Nigerian man burnt to death by supporters of Muslim cleric over blasphemy

Fifteen people, including the main accused, have been arrested in connection with the alleged rape and killing of a minor girl by setting her on fire in Jharkhand's Chatra district, police said today.

The 18-year-old woman was allegedly <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/minor-girl-allegedly-gang-raped-and-burnt-alive-in-jharkhand-134734">raped and set ablaze</a> on Thursday in Chatra district. She was declared "brought dead" by doctors when she was rushed to a nearby hospital yesterday.&nbsp;

"15 people, including the main accused, Dhanu Bhuiyan, have been arrested in connection with the case," IG Sambhu Thakur, who is camping at the site and monitoring the investigation said.&nbsp;

Asked if the girl was gang-raped, Thakur said it would be confirmed only after post-mortem.

However, a case under various sections of the IPC was registered on the basis of the statement of the victim's family.

The IG claimed that the police rounded up the 15 people within 12 hours of the incident.

The accused and the victim knew each other and the police is investigating the case from all angles, he said.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by a deputy superintendent of police rank officer has been formed to investigate the case under the supervision of Thakur.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das has announced Rs 1 lakh as financial aid to the girl's family.

Besides, arrangements have been made for the cremation and foodgrains have also been made available to the victim's family.

The woman's family had lodged a complaint with the local panchayat who shockingly imposed only a fine of Rs 50,000 on the accused and also ordered him to do 100 sit-ups before it, police sources said.

(With PTI inputs)

The 18-year-old woman was allegedly raped and set ablaze on Thursday in Chatra district

Fifteen people, including the main accused, have been arrested in connection with the alleged rape and killing of a minor girl by setting her on fire in Jharkhand's Chatra district, police said today. The 18-year-old woman was allegedly raped and set ablaze on Thursday in Chatra district. She was declared "brought dead" by doctors when she was rushed to a nearby hospital yesterday. "15 people, including the main accused, Dhanu Bhuiyan, have been arrested in connection with the case," IG Sambhu Thakur, who is camping at the site and monitoring the investigation said. Asked if the girl was gang-raped, Thakur said it would be confirmed only after post-mortem. However, a case under various sections of the IPC was registered on the basis of the statement of the victim's family. The IG claimed that the police rounded up the 15 people within 12 hours of the incident. The accused and the victim knew each other and the police is investigating the case from all angles, he said. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by a deputy superintendent of police rank officer has been formed to investigate the case under the supervision of Thakur. Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das has announced Rs 1 lakh as financial aid to the girl's family. Besides, arrangements have been made for the cremation and foodgrains have also been made available to the victim's family. The woman's family had lodged a complaint with the local panchayat who shockingly imposed only a fine of Rs 50,000 on the accused and also ordered him to do 100 sit-ups before it, police sources said. (With PTI inputs)

15 arrested in rape and killing of minor in Jharkhand

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