Suspect identified in burning of a woman on NYC subway

Zapeta, 33, is a Guatemalan citizen who entered the US illegally after he had been previously removed in 2018, said Jeff Carter, a spokesman for US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Surveillance video showed the suspect approach the woman, who was sitting motionless and may have been sleeping, on a stationary F train at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue subway station in Brooklyn and set her clothing on fire, police said.

The woman's clothing "became fully engulfed in a matter of seconds," said Jessica Tisch, the New York City police commissioner, while the suspect remained at the scene, watching her burn from a bench on the subway platform as police and a transit worker extinguished the flames.

The woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Police have not yet released her identity.

Tisch called the incident "one of the most depraved crimes one person could possibly commit against another human being."

Police arrested Zapeta later Sunday, riding the same subway line, after getting a tip from a group of high school students who recognised images that were circulated by police.

The woman was allegedly set on fire on a train at the Coney Island-Stillwell Ave stop in Brooklyn. (AP PHOTO)

It is unclear when and where Zapeta re-entered the US after being removed about six years ago.

In a statement, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said, "the depravity of this horrific crime is beyond comprehension, and my office is committed to bringing the perpetrator to justice".

"This gruesome and senseless act of violence against a vulnerable woman will be met with the most serious consequences," he said.

It was unclear if Zapeta has an attorney or when he would be arraigned.

A Brooklyn address for Zapeta released by police matches a service centre for Samaritan Daytop Village, which provides housing and substance abuse support.

The organisation did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

with AP