Sebastian Zapeta, the Guatemalan man accused of lighting a sleeping subway rider on fire and watching her burn to death on a Brooklyn subway car, pleaded not guilty to murder and arson charges Tuesday.

The 33-year-old was indicted on one count of first-degree murder, three counts of second-degree murder, and arson.

Zapeta listened through an interpreter and did not speak during the 4-minute hearing. His lawyer, at the end, said his client needed medical attention, but additional details were not immediately available.

Zapeta entered the U.S. illegally in 2018, according to authorities. He was deported, and returned to the country at an unknown time.

Sebastian Zapeta, accused of setting a woman on fire inside a New York City subway train, appears in court, Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024, in New York.  (AP Photo/Curtis Means via Pool)

Then the man walked off the car to a nearby waiting bench, sat down, and watched as help arrived. Responding officers were already in the station, and a transit worker grabbed a fire extinguisher. The suspect even appeared on bodycam video, Tisch said.

The suspect was arrested after three teenagers riding another subway train recognized him from a wanted poster and called 911. He was taken into custody at the next stop.

Police officers patrol the F train platform at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue Station, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024, in New York. (AP)

Zapeta faces a maximum sentence of life without the possibility of parole if convicted. 

The NYPD released its end-of-the-year crime statistics for 2024 Monday, touting an overall decrease in crime and an increase in arrests. However, homicides on the subway system doubled compared to 2023.

Zapeta is due back in court on March 12.

Fox News’ Greg Wehner and Michael Dorgan contributed to this report.