The Incident
A 57-year-old woman from Toms River, New Jersey, has been identified as the victim of a gruesome subway attack in New York City. Debrina Kawam was set on fire aboard a stationary F train at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue subway station in Brooklyn on December 22. The attack left her so severely burned that it took days for authorities to identify her remains.
The Victim's Circumstances
Kawam's living situation at the time of her death remains unclear. The Coalition for the Homeless suggested she may have been homeless. Police reports indicate she had been using New York City shelters since September, with her most recent stay at the Franklin Williams Women’s Shelter ending in early December.
Mayor Eric Adams expressed condolences and called the incident "horrific," adding that no one should endure such violence, regardless of their living circumstances.
The Suspect
Sebastian Zapeta, a 33-year-old previously deported Guatemalan immigrant, was arrested hours after the attack. Surveillance footage shows Zapeta approaching Kawam, who appeared to be asleep, before setting her clothing ablaze with a lighter. The fire engulfed her in seconds, and she was pronounced dead at the scene. Zapeta remained nearby as authorities extinguished the flames.
Zapeta faces charges including first-degree murder, three counts of second-degree murder, and arson. If convicted of first-degree murder, he could face life imprisonment without parole.
Authorities' Response
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez called the act "malicious" and emphasized its deliberate nature. The NYPD and ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations are also investigating potential federal charges under arson statutes. Zapata had been deported in 2018 after illegally entering the U.S. and later re-entered the country undetected.
Broader Context
This attack has reignited debates about public safety on New York City’s subway system and homelessness. Mayor Adams underscored the need for proactive care and shelter for the homeless, stating that the subway should not serve as a refuge.
The tragedy has left New Yorkers grappling with its brutality during what should have been a festive holiday season, serving as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by those on society's margins.
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