A man accused of setting a woman on fire inside a New York City subway train and then watching her die after she was engulfed in flames has made an initial court appearance and will remain in custody. Sebastian Zapeta, 33, who federal immigration officials said is a Guatemalan citizen who entered the US illegally, was arraigned in Brooklyn criminal court. He appeared briefly before a judge and wore a white jumpsuit over a weathered black hooded sweatshirt. He did not speak. He will remain jailed ahead of his next court date on Friday. The apparently random attack occurred on Sunday morning on a stationary F train at the Coney Island station in Brooklyn. Police said on Tuesday that identification of the victim was still “pending at this time”. Authorities say Zapeta approached the woman, who was sitting motionless in the train car and may have been sleeping, and used a lighter to set her clothing on fire. The woman quickly became engulfed in flames, while the suspect then sat at a bench on the subway platform and watched, according to police. Video posted to social media appeared to show the woman standing inside the train ablaze as some people look on from the platform, and at least one officer walks by. NYPD chief of transit Joseph Gulotta said that several officers had responded to the fire and one stayed to keep the crime scene “the way it’s supposed to be” while the others went to get fire extinguishers and transit workers. They were eventually able to douse the fire, but “unfortunately, it was too late”, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said — the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. During Zapeta’s court hearing on Tuesday, Assistant District Attorney Ari Rottenberg said Zapeta at one point fanned the flames on the woman using his shirt. He said a 911 call from a subway rider helped identify Zapeta. Mr Rottenberg added that under interrogation Zapeta claimed he did not know what happened, noting that he consumes alcohol. But he alleged that Zapeta identified himself to interrogators in images related to the attack. Zapeta was taken into custody on Sunday afternoon while riding a train on the same subway line after police got a tip from some teenagers who recognised him from images circulated by the police. A Brooklyn address for Zapeta released by police matches a shelter that provides housing and substance abuse support. The shelter did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Federal immigration officials said Zapeta had been previously deported in 2018 but at some point reentered the US illegally. The crime — and the graphic video of it that ricocheted across social media — deepened a growing sense of unease among some New Yorkers about the safety of the subway system in a city where many residents take the subway multiple times each day.Mozambique’s largely deserted capital was hit on Tuesday by skirmishes between protesters and police, AFP reporters said, the day after the ruling party was controversially confirmed winners in recent elections. Police in armoured vehicles patrolled the centre of the city, where hundreds of protesters in small, scattered groups threw objects and started fires. Makeshift roadblocks on major thoroughfares were set alight on Monday evening, covering the city with thick smoke, soon after the country’s highest court confirmed the victory of the ruling Frelimo party presidential candidate Daniel Chapo. Chapo’s main challenger, exiled opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, has claimed the election was rigged, sparking fears of violence between rival party supporters. Shops, banks, supermarkets, petrol stations and public buildings meanwhile were ransacked, with their windows smashed and contents looted. Some were set on fire and reduced to smouldering rubble. “Maputo Central Hospital is operating in critical conditions, more than 200 employees have not been able to reach the site,” its director Mouzinho Saide told AFP, adding that nearly 90 people had been admitted with injuries. ALSO READ: Analysts suggest a GNU as a solution to Mozambique instability Forty were injured by firearms and four by knives, he added. Main roads leading to Maputo and the neighbouring city of Matola were blocked by barricades and burning tyres, while the road leading to Maputo airport was largely impassable. Most local residents stayed at home, with the few who ventured out doing to look at the damage or do last-minute Christmas shopping. Christmas Eve is normally a busy time, with large crowds in central Maputo but shops and even small neighbourhood grocery stores were closed, making petrol and bread unavailable. Public transport was also paralysed, with only ambulances and funeral vehicles running. ‘Humiliation’ ALSO READ: Hundreds arrested at Lebombo for illegally attempting to cross SA-Mozambique border The unrest spread to several cities in the northern part of Mozambique, local media reported, with violence and vandalism in the provinces of Cabo Delgado, Nampula, Zambezia and Tete, where opposition support is strong. More than 100 people have already died in the unprecedented post-election violence, with fears that the toll could increase after Mondlane’s claim of victory. Mozambicans are demanding “electoral truth”, he said in a Facebook post. “We must continue the fight, remain united and strong.” Monday’s confirmation of the result of the October 9 election came despite claims of irregularities from many observers. Chapo won 65.17 percent of the vote, more than five points lower than the initial results declared by the country’s electoral commission. In the National Assembly, Frelimo has a majority of 171 seats out of 250, down 24 from the announcement in October. ALSO READ: SA pushes for dialogue and stability in Mozambique “Venancio”, as Mondlane is called on the street, repeated his assertion in a social media message on Tuesday that the constitutional court was “legalising fraud” and “the humiliation of the people”. “We want to create a People’s Constitutional Court, which will confirm Venancio Mondlane as president,” he said of himself. “I will be sworn in and invested,” he added. Chapo, who is due to take office in mid-January, struck a conciliatory tone in his victory speech on Monday, promising to “talk to everyone”, including his main opponent. – By: © Agence France-PresseAs the world eagerly awaits the start of the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics, anticipation is building for the epic clashes and unforgettable moments that lie ahead. From the Alpine Zone to the Ice Zone, the Nordic Zone to the Snow Zone, athletes from around the world are ready to showcase their talents and compete for the ultimate prize. Get ready for a winter sports extravaganza like no other as the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics prepare to take center stage. Let the games begin!
These were the most disappointing TV shows of the yearThe preparation for this momentous match started long before the players stepped onto the pitch. The coaching staff meticulously analyzed Liverpool's tactics and strengths, devising a game plan to exploit their weaknesses and neutralize their key players. Training sessions were intense, with the focus on sharpening skills, improving tactics, and building team cohesion.
In a recent interview, Szoboszlai expressed his optimism about RB Salzburg's chances against Paris Saint-Germain. He emphasized the importance of belief and confidence in the team's abilities, stating that they are fully aware of the challenge ahead but are prepared to give their all on the pitch. Szoboszlai highlighted the unpredictability of football and how anything can happen in a single match, regardless of the opponent's reputation.
The news of Assad's arrival in Moscow has sparked mixed reactions from the international community. While some countries have expressed concern over Russia's support for the Assad regime, others have welcomed the move as a potential step towards finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Syria.
As we reflect on Mr. Chen's journey, let us be inspired to think outside the box, challenge the status quo, and embrace the potential of turning waste into wealth. Let his example serve as a reminder that in the realm of sustainability and innovation, there are boundless possibilities waiting to be explored.The move comes as part of a broader initiative to establish a more efficient and coordinated mechanism for financing support to small and micro-enterprises. The new measures are designed to streamline the process of accessing credit, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and ensure that these businesses have the financial resources they need to thrive and expand.The IDF operation in Syria represents a significant escalation in the long-standing conflict between Israel and its neighbors, underscoring the complex and volatile dynamics at play in the region. The capture of key towns near Damascus marks a new phase in the conflict, with the potential to reshape the strategic landscape of the Middle East.
The increased Chinese military presence in the Taiwan Strait has raised concerns among regional stakeholders, including Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asian countries. China's growing military assertiveness in the region has raised fears of an escalation of tensions and the potential for a military confrontation.Telegraph: Manchester United Willing to Sell Pogba Due to Disciplinary Reasons; Exit Would Facilitate Arrival of Declan RiceLeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers headline the action-packed Christmas Day lineup and will go against Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors . James still looks forward to playing against his former foe during the holiday season because of their shared court experience. Fans will tune in to ESPN and ABC on Dec, 25 as the Lakers-Warriors game will be the fourth out of the five games on the special day. On Monday, James and his team suffered a 117-114 loss against the Detroit Pistons . The All-Star forward discussed playing his former adversary over the holidays after the game. “Anytime you get an opportunity to be on the court and compete versus one of the greats that have played this game,” James said. “You don’t take it for granted. Like I said, ‘How many more opportunities we’ll get them to go against each other, so it’s always fun.” Over the summer, James and Curry played together for Team USA, leading the national team to a gold medal finish. The Lakers star was asked what it would mean if he wins against his former national team colleague on Christmas. “Depends on what side I’m on,” he continued. “Got to see it this past summer with Team USA and it’s been a great feeling, I’ve seen on the other side and that’s what we’re for.” When the Lakers and Warriors match up Wednesday, it will be the 4th time LeBron James and Stephen Curry will have played each other on Christmas. LeBron: “I don’t know how many more opportunities we’re going to get to go against each other ...” pic.twitter.com/y8MCZJR1aD — Dave McMenamin (@mcten) December 24, 2024 James has been around in the league and appeared in 18 Christmas Day games. During that stretch, he’s averaged 26.5 points, 7.7 rebounds and 7.1 assists with a 10-8 record. Curry, on the other hand, has played 10 games on the special holiday, earning a 4-6 record. During the holidays, he’s averaged 15.6 points, 4.6 rebounds and 6.4 assists. LeBron James wants the Lakers to play with more physicality Following the Lakers’ loss to the Pistons, LeBron James addressed one of the main issues the team has struggled with. According to him, Los Angeles needs to match the opposing team’s physicality to try and win. “We just gotta match physicality with physicality,” James said. “ I can’t speak for nobody but myself when it comes to there. I’m a football player so I don’t mind physicality, to be honest. As a team, we just gotta be better with it – just be strong, that’s all.” LeBron was asked if opposing teams’ physicality is getting the best of the Lakers. His response: “I’m a football player so I don’t mind physicality, to be honest.” (via @mcten ) pic.twitter.com/1eNGRLTdVr — Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) December 24, 2024 This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.
In addition to trade and investment, China also represents an important source of technological innovation and expertise for Europe. As a global leader in areas such as renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and e-commerce, China offers valuable insights and collaborations that can help European businesses stay competitive in the rapidly evolving global economy. By partnering with Chinese companies and leveraging Chinese technology, European firms can gain access to cutting-edge solutions and drive innovation in their respective industries.Argentina Team Triumphs! Midfield Duo Leads the Way, Securing Top 2 Spots in Premier League, As Diego Paulo Guides Atletico Madrid to 9 Consecutive Victories
In conclusion, the concept of body memory sheds light on the complexities of obesity and weight management, highlighting the need for a comprehensive and personalized approach to address the underlying physiological, psychological, and behavioral factors that contribute to weight rebound. By understanding and respecting our bodies' intricate mechanisms, we can break free from the cycle of weight regain and achieve long-term health and well-being. Remember, once fat, always fat does not have to be the norm – with the right strategies and support, sustainable weight management is possible.Monster Hunter: Wasteland Unveils the Poylodon - The Top Monster of the Crimson Forest!
