Following the harrowing incident where Sebastian Zapeta-Calil set a sleeping woman on fire, netizens speculated that the victim’s name might be Amelia Carter.
The clips circulating online showcased Zapeta watching a burning woman, with hands in his hoodie pockets, in the F train on the NYC Subway. The suspect entered the train when the woman was sleeping, as shown in the surveillance footage.
However, a quick turn of events led to Zapeta setting her clothes on fire and immediately getting off the train. He then sat on a platform bench and watched the scene while police officers scrambled to get assistance.
Raise your hand ✋️ if you demand the death penalty be issued to Sebastian Zepata for murdering Amelia Carter by setting her on fire pic.twitter.com/knBAsnqhwZ
— @Chicago1Ray 🇺🇸 (@Chicago1Ray) December 23, 2024
As the video reached far corners of the internet, many went to work to find the victim’s identity. Soon, netizens assumed that the burning woman was the 29-year-old Amelia Carter from Florida.
Further, claims arose that Amelia Carter graduated from SUNY Purchase and obtained her PhD from the University of Pennsylvania. While the investigation proceeded, her parents came forward with a public statement.
They wrote, “She didn’t deserve this senseless, cruel act. We demand justice for Amelia. No one should ever have to endure such pain, and no family should have to experience this kind of loss.“
Say her name! Amelia Carter. The girl who was burned to death by an illegal on NYC subway. RIP sweet girl. Justice will be done! pic.twitter.com/uRFOtszno6
— Eva 🇨🇿🇨🇦 (@ESpejchal) December 24, 2024
Later, sources clarified that cryptocurrency pages had used AI to generate images of Carter along with coins named Justice for Amelia. The authorities haven’t revealed the victim’s true identity for legal reasons.
Similarly, officials added the victim had trouble with mobility and froze during the attack. They added that the sleeping woman was homeless and might have been under the influence of alcohol or substances before the attack.
NYPD officers blasted for walking past the victim without showing any efforts to save her!
The incident has taken a political shift as the suspect was later identified as a Guatemalan immigrant who had been deported back in 2018. Officials are still investigating how Zapta returned to the country.
Further, the blame has been put on the Democratic Party for their inability to handle the situation with illegal immigrants. However, others noted that Zapeta might have some underlying mental issues following his behavior.
After three students helped identify and detain Zapeta on the subway platform, the suspect claimed he didn’t remember committing the act. During interrogation, he added that he was drunk and didn’t intend to harm anyone.
In another video from the incident, viewers recognized Zapeta attempting to fan the flames with a T-shirt or a similar garment. His efforts were fruitless as the flames rose to the top of the subway car.
Additionally, officers detained the suspect briefly at 34th Street-Herald Square station, finding a lighter in his pocket. Platform officers struggled to extinguish the fire, and paramedics pronounced the victim dead at the scene.
El es Sebastián Zapeta guatemalteco indocumentado en USA 🇺🇸, quien le quitará la vida a Amelia Carter, una joven de 29 años que su “error” fue quedarse dormida en un tren de Nueva York.
— Gianco Urías (@GiancoUrias) December 24, 2024
¿Este sujeto debería tener la pena de muerte? pic.twitter.com/m0eqAW1C1S
However, the case has taken a controversial turn in terms of the reported actions of NYPD officers. They appeared to be walking calmly on the video while the victim burned to her last breath.
Many have expressed their dissatisfaction with the behavior. One of X users wrote, “The NYPD would rather waste all their resources on a perp walk than same a burning woman. Absolutely disgusting.“
The department has yet to release a statement clarifying the situation, as witnesses mentioned that emergency assistance was on their way while the officers walked in front of the crime scene.
Additional Information
- Authorities were able to track Sebastian Zapeta from the body camera footage. Despite constant questioning, he hasn’t revealed the motive behind his subway attack.
- Sebastian Zapeta-Cali’s detention might be extended after the request from Enforcement and Removal Operations. The department had deported him with assistance from the U.S. Border Patrol.
