Man pleads not guilty to burning woman to death on New York City subway train

A man pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to burning a sleeping woman to death inside a New York City subway train.

Sebastian Zapeta, 33, appeared in a Brooklyn court in an orange jumpsuit and orange jacket, his hands cuffed behind his back as he was accused of murder and arson in the killing of Debrina Kawam, 57.

Prosecutors say Zapeta set the New Jersey woman on fire on a stopped train at Brooklyn’s Coney Island station on December 22.

Zapeta then fanned the flames with a shirt before sitting on platform bench and watching as Ms Kawam burned, they allege.

Zapeta, a Guatemalan citizen who authorities say entered the country illegally after being deported in 2018, faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole on the murder charge.

The court hearing lasted under five minutes. Zapeta stood up, his eyes facing the floor, as a Spanish interpreter whispered into his ear. His next court date is set for March 12.

He was previously arraigned on a criminal complaint, but in New York, all felony cases require a grand jury indictment to proceed to trial unless a defendant waives that requirement.

Prosecutors with Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez’s office announced Zapeta had been indicted in late December.

Zapeta’s lawyer did not respond to an email seeking comment on Monday evening.