NYC homeless shelter residents share experiences with alleged subway killer

BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11) -- Raymond Robinson, 54, recalls his experience sharing a room in an East New York, Brooklyn homeless shelter with subway murder suspect Sebastian Zapeta.

“I slept next to him for about four or five days. Unless he was drinking or smoking, he would talk to you,” said Robinson.

The 33-year-old Guatemalan migrant is accused of setting a woman on fire as she slept on board a stationary F train in Coney Island, Brooklyn.

Other shelter residents offered similar recollections of Zapeta frequently appearing drunk and or high off synthetic marijuana.

“He was always causing problems. Every day, coming in drunk,” said another resident who identified himself as Vegas.

A grand jury indicted Zapeta, who waived his court appearance on Friday. He faces state criminal charges of first-degree murder and arson.

“This was intentional,” said Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez. “A sleeping, vulnerable woman on our subway system. My office is very confident about the evidence in this case and our ability to hold Zapeta accountable for his dastardly deeds.” 

Because she was burned beyond recognition, the female victim is still officially listed as “Jane Doe.” Advanced fingerprinting efforts and DNA testing are currently underway.

Zapeta’s former roommate at the shelter still can’t believe his connection to an accused killer.

“I didn’t believe it until I actually saw his face. I think about it in my sleep sometimes. It’s just scary. Every time I come here, I think about – damn, that dude lived here with me,” he added.

Gonzalez hopes that even though the victim appeared to be homeless, there still may be someone out there who realized their relative, friend, or loved one is missing and could still come forward to help with identification efforts. 

Zapeta’s indictment will be officially unsealed in January, and if convicted, he will spend the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of parole.