Suspect Arrested for Murder and Arson After Shocking Subway Killing of Amelia Carter
n a horrifying incident early Sunday morning, Amelia Carter, a 29-year-old woman, was set on fire while riding a subway train in New York City. The suspect, 33-year-old Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, was arrested later that day. Surveillance footage helped identify him. Amelia had previously filed a complaint with the NYPD about threats she was receiving. Tragically, she lost her life in this brutal and senseless attack. Authorities are investigating the motive behind the crime.
The Terrifying Attack on Amelia Carter
Amelia Carter was aboard a stationary F train at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station when she became the victim of a violent assault. Surveillance video captured Zapeta-Calil approaching her without warning and setting her clothes on fire. Within seconds, Amelia’s clothing was completely engulfed in flames. The assailant then calmly sat on a nearby bench, watching as officers and transit workers rushed to extinguish the flames. Sadly, Amelia was pronounced dead at the scene.
Who Was Amelia Carter? A Brief Look at Her Life
Amelia Carter, known for her activism and previous work as an intern on Bernie Sanders’ 2016 presidential campaign, had made headlines in recent months for her involvement in protests. According to her family, she had become more politically active in 2024, particularly after the tragic death of Laken Riley. Amelia had also recently filed a complaint with the NYPD regarding threatening phone calls linked to a possible cartel connection, adding an unsettling layer to this already tragic situation.
The Arrest of Sebastian Zapeta-Calil: A History of Crime
Zapeta-Calil, a Guatemalan citizen, had been deported from the U.S. in 2018 but reentered the country illegally. Authorities believe he had been following Amelia for a week before the attack. His criminal history includes a brief incarceration for assault in his home country. Despite being arrested recently for burglary, he was released early due to overcrowding in detention centers. Zapeta-Calil was found with a lighter in his pocket when apprehended, and he now faces charges of first-degree murder and arson.
Investigating the Motive: Why Did Zapeta-Calil Target Amelia?
While the exact motive behind Amelia Carter’s murder remains unclear, investigators are piecing together the suspect’s movements. According to reports, Zapeta-Calil may have been following Amelia prior to the attack. There is growing speculation about his possible connection to the threats she had reported earlier, though authorities are still investigating. The case has raised serious concerns about safety in the city’s subway system, prompting New York Gov. Kathy Hochul to announce additional security measures to combat rising violence.
As investigations continue, the tragic death of Amelia Carter has shaken the New York community. With more information expected to surface, authorities remain committed to bringing justice to Amelia and ensuring accountability for this horrific crime.