The man accused of lighting a woman on fire on the F train, killing her, told police that he drinks heavily and "doesn't know what happened," a prosecutor said at the man's arraignment on murder and arson charges Tuesday. In Brooklyn criminal court, Assistant District Attorney Ari Rottenberg said Sebastian Zapeta, 33, walked up to the woman as the train pulled into the Stillwell Avenue station around 7:30 a.m. Sunday, set her clothing on fire and fanned her with a shirt, engulfing her in flames. As fire spread throughout the car, Rottenberg said, Zapeta stepped out of the train, sat on a bench and watched her burn to death. The medical examiner’s office ruled the woman’s death a homicide by combination of smoke inhalation and thermal injuries and has not yet been able to identify her, the prosecutor said. Police arrested Zapeta at the Herald Square station after two teens spotted him on the subway and recognized him from video footage. After his arrest, according to Rottenberg, Zapeta told law enforcement that he “drinks a lot of liquor.” Zapeta was escorted into the courtroom around 12:30 p.m., dressed in a white jumpsuit. Justice Jung Park ordered that he be held in jail without bail while a grand jury decides whether to indict him. Rottenberg said “not even a significant monetary bail would be significant enough,” and Zapeta’s defense attorney didn’t object. He sat quietly throughout the brief proceeding and stared straight ahead as the judge spoke to him through a Spanish interpreter. Zapeta's defense attorney, Andrew Friedman, declined to comment after the arraignment. Zapeta came to the U.S. from Guatemala and was in the country without authorization after being deported in 2018 , according to Jeff Carter, a spokesperson for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. ICE told Gothamist Monday that the agency planned to ask for an immigration detainer with the city. The mayor’s office said Zapeta arrived in New York City before a wave of migrants started moving here in April 2022. His last known address appears to be a location that houses a substance abuse treatment facility on Forbell Avenue in East New York. A video of the killing that was captured on surveillance footage has spread across social media, punctuating fears about crime in the city’s mass transit system. The deadly fire was one of several acts of violence on the subway last weekend, including one in which prosecutors say a man fatally stabbed someone trying to rob him. There have been 11 homicides in the transit system this year, up from five by this time last year, according to police data. But criminal justice experts note that violence on the subway is still exceedingly rare, given about 4 million people commute each day. And transit crime overall is down more than 6% compared to this time last year, according to NYPD data . Still, the fatal subway encounter touches on many of the polarizing topics at the center of the current political debate in New York City: subway safety, homelessness, mental illness and immigration. It also comes on the heels of the criminal trial of Daniel Penny , a former Marine who was accused of fatally choking a homeless man with schizophrenia and substance abuse issues on an uptown F train in 2023. That incident was also caught on camera and raised questions about what subway riders should do when another passenger appears to be experiencing a mental health crisis. A Manhattan jury acquitted Penny of criminally negligent homicide after days of deliberations .As many race to get home for the holidays, a winter storm in eastern Ontario caused some delays for last-minute travellers as their loved ones stood by waiting to be reunited. “It started off when we looked it was all going to be fine and then by the time we arrived at the airport, I think it’s almost two hours late now,” said Martin Hayles, who was waiting for his sister-in-law to arrive. Aiden McPhail also arrived early, waiting for his girlfriend to arrive from Newark, as the clock to Christmas counts down. “She wanted to be here for Christmas, but she wanted to go there beforehand, she used to live in [New York City],” he said. Much of the hustle and bustle of peak travel days are over and for one family arriving from Chile, it was a magical welcome. Ayleen Soublett’s one-year-old son got to experience snow for the first time. “It’s our first time in Ottawa, in Canada, it’s all an experience — the snow, the freezing cold, it’s all beautiful,” she said. Over at baggage claim, there was a hug six months in the making as David Basnandan reunited with his girlfriend from Brazil. “I am excited for everything because I’ve never seen Christmas here,” his girlfriend Mirian said. “In Brazil it’s very different, people have different traditions.” All the reunions a reminder of the magic in small moments. Shopping Trends The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us. 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Heavy travel day starts with brief grounding of all American Airlines flights American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide Tuesday because of a technical problem just as the Christmas travel season kicked into overdrive and winter weather threatened more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive. OPP and Ottawa firefighters help remove vehicle wedged into Highway 417 overpass Ottawa firefighters and local Ontario Provincial Police officers were called to a bizarre scene Tuesday morning along Highway 417, where a driver managed to wedge his vehicle under an overpass. On Christmas Eve, Pope Francis appeals for courage to better the world Pope Francis said the story of Jesus' birth as a poor carpenter's son should instill hope that all people can make an impact on the world, as the pontiff on Tuesday led the world's Roman Catholics into Christmas. Read Trudeau's Christmas message Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued his Christmas message on Tuesday. Here is his message in full. Ontario First Nation challenging selection of underground nuclear waste site in court A First Nation in northern Ontario is challenging the selection of a nearby region as the site of a deep geological repository that will hold Canada's nuclear waste, arguing in a court filing that it should have had a say in the matter as the site falls "squarely" within its territory. Dismiss Trump taunts, expert says after 'churlish' social media posts about Canada U.S. president-elect Donald Trump and those in his corner continue to send out strong messages about Canada. Atlantic Two deaths in Truro ruled homicides: RCMP Police in Nova Scotia are investigating after two deaths in Truro, N.S., over the weekend have been ruled homicides. Snow forecast through Christmas Eve for parts of the Maritimes Parts of the Maritimes that were hit by a weekend snowstorm are in for more of the white stuff this Christmas Eve. 'Can I taste it?': Rare $55,000 bottle of spirits for sale in Moncton, N.B. A rare bottle of Scotch whisky is for sale in downtown Moncton, N.B., with a price tag reading $55,000. Toronto Suspect charged in killing of senior found dead in North York driveway Toronto police have charged a suspect in the fatal shooting of a 69-year-old grandfather who was found in the driveway of a North York home earlier this month. Trudeau could stay or go. Either way, Canadians should brace for a spring election Canada appears to be barrelling toward a spring election now that the NDP is vowing to vote down the government early next year -- whether Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stays on or not. Norad crew waiting for Santa to fly over Canada as annual holiday track underway Departing from the North Pole while we were all sleeping, Santa Claus' journey around the world bringing presents and Christmas cheer for all of the good boys and girls who believe is underway. 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Norad crew waiting for Santa to fly over Canada as annual holiday track underway Departing from the North Pole while we were all sleeping, Santa Claus' journey around the world bringing presents and Christmas cheer for all of the good boys and girls who believe is underway. Dismiss Trump taunts, expert says after 'churlish' social media posts about Canada U.S. president-elect Donald Trump and those in his corner continue to send out strong messages about Canada. Windsor Mother daughter duo pursuing university dreams at the same time For one University of Windsor student, what is typically a chance to gain independence from her parents has become a chance to spend more time with her biggest cheerleader — her mom. 'We may have to look at other sensible locations': Where will Windsor’s new H4 be located? The search for a site to house Windsor’s new Homelessness and Housing Help Hub (H4) is back underway after the city scrapped plans at 700 Wellington Avenue on Monday. Sandwich Street officially opens after six months of construction A more than 2-kilometre stretch of Sandwich Street near the University of Windsor had been under construction since mid-June. London Palace Theatre boarded up over the holidays due to recent damage A break in, theft, and continued property damage has led to the boarding up of the Palace Theatre over the Christmas holidays. Knights stars ready to help Canada chase gold at World Juniors Three London Knights are on the roster, including Easton Cowan, who scored a hat-trick in Canada’s first exhibition game. London fire responds to Wellington Road collision, contains fuel leak London Fire Department was on the scene of a two vehicle collision involving a delivery truck on Tuesday morning. Kitchener Why holiday shopping may feel a little different this year At around 11 a.m. Tuesday at Kitchener’s Fairview Park Mall, there were plenty of parking spots available. It’s a sign that maybe this year, the rush for last minute gifts is no more. How to stay safe during the holiday season As fun festivities begin, the Canadian government, SickKids and fire departments in the Waterloo Region are reminding families of the higher safety risks during the holiday season. What’s open and what’s closed over the holidays A detailed guide to what’s open and closed between Dec. 24 and New Year's Day. Barrie Here's when Santa is coming down your chimney, live tracking underway in Simcoe County The spirit of Christmas is in the air as Santa Claus begins his lasting journey to deliver presents to children around the region. Help this missing pup make it home for Christmas The Ontario SPCA in Barrie needs your help bringing this handsome pup home to his family before Christmas. Last minute shoppers braced for chaos but found calm on Christmas Eve Many shoppers were out on Christmas Eve, and while the rush was expected to be chaotic, many found the day surprisingly manageable. Winnipeg 'They gambled with trees': Cutting down trees resumes in Lemay Forest The next chapter of the Lemay Forest saga has unfolded as the sounds of trees coming down could be heard Monday. One person dead, another injured following Monday night house fire One person has died and another is in unstable condition following a house fire Monday evening. Winnipeg police investigating string of packages being stolen The Winnipeg Police Service is investigating a string of package thefts in the Transcona area. Calgary Speed, alcohol possible factors in Glenmore Trail crash that left man, 18, dead: police Speed and alcohol are possible factors in a fatal crash on Glenmore Trail on Monday night, according to police. Person in critical condition after downtown Calgary fire A person was sent to hospital in life-threatening condition after a fire in downtown Calgary on Tuesday morning. Skier seriously injured in avalanche near Revelstoke, B.C. A skier was seriously injured after an avalanche near Revelstoke, B.C., over the weekend. Edmonton Edmonton apartment building boarded up after evacuation order from the city An Edmonton apartment building that was evacuated for safety reasons on Monday now sits boarded up. 1 charged after van stolen from Edmonton's Food Bank on Monday One person has been arrested after a van was stolen from Edmonton's Food Bank on Monday. Warrants issued for 'dangerous' Edmonton man in sexual assault case The Edmonton Police Service is looking for a 58-year-old man in connection with a sexual assault that happened earlier this year. Regina Sask. RCMP still searching for man suspected of small-town break-ins spanning years A man suspected of breaking into offices and small businesses across Saskatchewan over the past number of years has struck again – according to RCMP. Tips on how to reduce, reuse and recycle in Sask. this holiday season The City of Regina is urging residents to recycle their holiday waste responsibly. 'A nice way to connect': Christmas card exchange between Sask. friends spans 60 years What started out as a little holiday fun between two Regina friends has turned into a tradition that now spans six decades. Saskatoon 'People prop the doors open': Saskatoon resident concerned as people shelter in her stairwell With the number of homeless people in Saskatoon at an unprecedented high, it’s no surprise people are looking for places to warm up. A separate Ukrainian Christmas may be a thing of the past There might be more households than usual celebrating this Christmas Eve, as many Ukrainians around the world are opting to abandon the orthodox calendar. Lloydminster man killed in Christmas Eve highway crash: RCMP A 24-year-old Lloydminster man was killed Tuesday after his pickup truck collided with a semi. Vancouver Rappelling RCMP members bring Christmas magic to B.C.’s Ronald McDonald house Children at the Ronald McDonald House at BC Children’s Hospital were paid a surprise visit from a number of nimble guests on Friday, sent from none other than the jolly old man himself. Striking janitors at Vancouver airport reach tentative deal, cancel escalation Escalating job action from striking janitors at the Vancouver International Airport was called off on Christmas Eve after the workers and their employer reached a tentative agreement. Woman struck by vehicle dies in Burnaby, B.C. A 24-year-old woman who was struck by a vehicle last week in Burnaby, B.C., has died. Vancouver Island Ripe avalanche conditions for parts of B.C. expected to persist this week A forecaster says ripe avalanche conditions are expected to persist across much of British Columbia for the rest of the week. Woman struck by vehicle dies in Burnaby, B.C. A 24-year-old woman who was struck by a vehicle last week in Burnaby, B.C., has died. Homicide victim identified as 36-year-old man from Langley, B.C. Homicide investigators are identifying the victim of a suspected murder last year in Langley, B.C. Kelowna Forfeited Hells Angels clubhouse in Kelowna, B.C., sold to the city A former Hells Angels clubhouse that was seized by the British Columbia government in 2023 after years of fighting in court has been sold to the City of Kelowna. Death of woman found in Kelowna's Waterfront Park in June deemed 'non-criminal in nature': RCMP Police in Kelowna say a death they began investigating back in June has now been confirmed as "non-criminal in nature." B.C. man sentenced for 'execution-style' murder of bystander in drug trade conflict A B.C. man convicted of the "intentional and ruthless killing of a bystander" while acting as an enforcer in the drug trade has been sentenced for a second time in the slaying. Stay Connected
But little did Matthew know that his mother was about to make her presence felt in a truly heartwarming and unexpected way. As the music started playing and the guests turned to look towards the entrance, there was a collective gasp as a beautiful slideshow appeared on the big screen at the front of the room. Images of Matthew and his mother through the years flashed before everyone's eyes, showcasing their special bond and the love they shared.
Title: CEO of Cloud Whale Intelligence, Zhang Jübin Responds to Layoff Rumors: Streamlining Workforce from 1600 to 1400 for Improved EfficiencyIn light of these findings, it is crucial for healthcare providers and policymakers to prioritize sleep health and raise awareness about the importance of adequate and restful sleep for women. Strategies to promote healthy sleep habits among women may include practicing good sleep hygiene, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, and creating a sleep-friendly environment.With each chilling detail that the comedian revealed about Lady Snail - her slimy trail, her piercing gaze, her unnerving silence - the audience found themselves drawn further into the twisted narrative. What started as a lighthearted discussion on women's safety had morphed into a spine-tingling horror story, leaving the audience on edge and shocked by the unexpected turn of events.