Suspect in woman’s fatal New York subway burning expected to appear in court as he faces murder and arson charges
CNN
The man charged with murder and arson in the killing of a woman inside a subway car in New York City is set to appear in court on Friday morning, according to the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office.
The man charged with murder and arson in the killing of a woman inside a subway train car in New York City is scheduled to appear in court on Friday. Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, 33, is accused of setting fire to an unidentified woman who was asleep on an F train approaching the Stillwell Avenue station in Brooklyn early Sunday. Zapeta-Calil allegedly ignited her clothes and “fanned the flames” with a shirt as the fire engulfed her, according to police testimony in a complaint filed in Brooklyn Criminal Court. The New York City Office of the Medical Examiner classified the victim’s death as a homicide, attributing it to “thermal injuries” and “smoke inhalation.” The incident has heightened concerns about safety in the subway system amid a disturbing trend of recent random attacks, drawing attention to longstanding issues that major cities like New York have faced for years, including homelessness, illegal immigration and substance abuse. A vigil was held Thursday night at the Stillwell Avenue station to honor the victim, CNN affiliate NY1 reported. “Her life mattered, and we believe that we can do something and that anyone can participate, and that is the power of prayer,” Rev. Kevin McCall, founder of the Crisis Action Center, told the outlet.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth risked compromising sensitive military information that could have endangered US troops through his use of Signal to discuss attack plans, a Pentagon watchdog said in an unclassified report released Thursday. It also details how Hegseth declined to cooperate with the probe.
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As lawmakers demand answers over reports that the US military carried out a follow-up strike that killed survivors during an attacked on an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean, a career Navy SEAL who has spent most of his 30 years of military experience in special operations will be responsible for providing them.
The murder trial of Brian Walshe, who is accused of killing and dismembering his wife in 2023 continues. Follow for live updates.
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A new poll shows more than 70% of Republicans with Obamacare coverage don’t want their enhanced premium subsidies to expire.
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The specter of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown looms over the Somali diaspora in the Twin Cities – home to the nation’s largest Somali population.
Honduras’ former President Juan Orlando Hernández thanked US President Donald Trump for pardoning his US drug trafficking conviction amid criticism from lawmakers that the pardon undermines the White House’s efforts to stop drug trafficking.