On Sunday, 33-year-old Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, a Guatemalan citizen in the United States illegally is now a person of interest. Police say he was responsible for setting a female New York City subway rider on fire. Allegedly, he used a lighter on the victim and continued fanning the flames which expectedly got worse.

Per NBC, she died after suffering from the scorching flames of the fire. Until now, the police have yet to pin down her identity, neither has anyone confirmed that they know her. However, the medical examiner has ruled the death as a homicide. The coroner confirmed that it was the consequence of “thermal injuries and smoke inhalation.”

At the time of the incident, the victim was sleeping on a stationary F train around Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue Station. Following his arrest, the Guatemalan citizen maintained that he didn’t remember the scenario. According to him, this is because he drinks a lot of liquor.

During his appearance in court, he used a translator to help understand the proceedings. However, Sebastian Zapeta-Calil did not utter a word in court, nor was he required to enter a plea. The suspect appeared in the same clothes he wore during the arrest. Zapeta-Calil is set to appear in court on Friday.

#Clique, what are your thoughts?