Crime
25-year-old Sebastian Zapeta arrested after setting sleeping NYC subway rider on fire
New York, NY – Law enforcement officials have announced the arrest of 25-year-old Sebastian Zapeta, a Guatemalan national, in connection with a horrific incident where a sleeping woman was set on fire aboard a subway train.
The shocking act, which occurred on Sunday morning aboard a Coney Island-bound F train, left the woman dead in what police are describing as an appalling crime just days before Christmas.
Authorities revealed that Zapeta was apprehended following a tip from a vigilant civilian who recognized him on a train at the 34th Street station in Manhattan.
The witness flagged down officers, who quickly responded and detained Zapeta. Although Zapeta has not yet been formally charged, investigators have identified him as the primary suspect in the brutal attack.
The incident unfolded at approximately 7:30 a.m. on December 22, when the victim, a woman whose identity has not been publicly disclosed, was allegedly set ablaze as she slept on the subway.
Disturbingly, sources indicate that Zapeta stood by and watched as the flames engulfed her. Despite attempts by authorities to manage the immediate aftermath, a video from the scene revealed police briefly speaking with a man matching Zapeta’s description before instructing him to leave the area.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) is actively working to piece together the sequence of events leading up to the tragedy, while also determining Zapeta’s motivations.
This heinous act has sent shockwaves throughout the city, prompting heightened concerns about safety and security on public transit.
In a statement, an NYPD spokesperson acknowledged the swift action of the citizen who identified Zapeta, emphasizing the critical role that public vigilance can play in assisting law enforcement.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials urge anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward. Further updates, including formal charges against Zapeta, are expected as the case progresses.
This tragic event highlights the growing need for addressing violent crimes on New York City’s transit system and ensuring the safety of all passengers.
Crime
Angela Johnson and Her Son DeAngelo Johnson Killed After Shooting Inside Home in Chicago, Mother’s Boyfriend in Custody
CHICAGO — A 47-year-old mother and her 27-year-old son were fatally shot inside a residence in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood on the West Side late Thursday night, September 24, 2026, according to Chicago police.
The victims were identified as Angela Johnson, 47, and DeAngelo Johnson, 27. Police said a suspect, identified as Angela Johnson’s boyfriend, was taken into custody following the shooting.
The deadly shooting happened in the 800 block of North Parkside Avenue at approximately 10:43 p.m. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots coming from the basement of the residence and called 911.
When Chicago police officers arrived, they found the two victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Angela Johnson was found in the basement with a gunshot wound to her chest. Police-radio traffic indicated she had been shot on the right side of her chest.
DeAngelo Johnson was found on the first floor with multiple gunshot wounds. Radio traffic indicated that he had suffered two gunshot wounds to his back.
Both victims were initially unresponsive and in critical condition. Emergency personnel performed CPR on DeAngelo Johnson before both victims were transported to Mount Sinai Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
According to police-radio traffic, one victim was pronounced dead at approximately 11:18 p.m., while the male victim was pronounced dead around 11:21 p.m.
Investigators found extensive evidence inside the residence, including approximately 23 shell casings in a basement bedroom. Additional shell casings were reportedly recovered in other areas of the basement, including the stairway, main room and bedroom.
Officers initially recovered a firearm and shell casings from the basement bedroom. Police later located a second firearm inside the home, bringing the total number of recovered firearms to two.
Authorities have not publicly stated who owned the firearms or confirmed which weapon, if either, was used in the fatal shooting.
Police also reported that DeAngelo Johnson was wearing an empty holster when officers found him on the first floor. That discovery prompted an officer-safety alert as officers searched the residence for the missing firearm.
Chicago police said the shooting appeared to be domestic-related and identified the alleged offender as the mother’s boyfriend.
Radio traffic indicated that a person had been detained by approximately 11:26 p.m. The official police report later confirmed that the known offender was taken into custody.
Two witnesses were reportedly available to identify the alleged offender, and officers conducted a show-up identification procedure near the scene.
Police have not released additional information about potential charges against the suspect.
The investigation into the Chicago Austin neighborhood double shooting remains ongoing. Detectives are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the shooting, the relationship between the people involved and the role of the two recovered firearms.
The deaths of Angela Johnson and DeAngelo Johnson are being investigated as a double homicide.