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The man accused of setting fire to a woman in a New York City subway car has been indicted on charges of murder in the first and second degree and arson. 

Sebastian Zapeta-Calil is accused of setting fire to an unidentified woman who was asleep on a subway car in Brooklyn last weekend. Authorities alleged Zapeta-Calil approached the woman aboard a stopped F train and set her clothing on fire.

“These are significant counts. Murder in the first degree carries the possibility of life without parole. It’s the most serious statute in New York state law and my office is very confident about the evidence in the case and to hold Zapeta accountable for his dastardly deeds,” said Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez.

Zapeta-Calil is an undocumented immigrant from Guatemala. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesman Jeff Carter said Zapeta-Calil entered the United States illegally after he had been previously deported to Guatemala in 2018. It is unclear when he reentered the country.

Zapeta-Calil was not present at the brief court hearing Friday. The judge moved the case to Kings County Supreme Court. He is scheduled to be arraigned on Jan. 7. 

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

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A vigil for the unknown woman was held in Brooklyn on Thursday. New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch on Sunday described the case as “one of the most depraved crimes one person could possibly commit against another human being.”

On the same day of the murder, Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY) praised her administration’s work to curb crime on the subway, saying, “Crime is going down.”