The Woman Set On Fire On NYC Subway Has Been Identified
The woman who was fatally set on fire on a New York City subway last week has been identified.
On Dec. 22, Debrina Kawam, 61, of Toms River, New Jersey, was asleep on an F train approaching the Coney Island–Stillwell Avenue station in Brooklyn when Sebastian Zapeta, a 33-year-old undocumented immigrant, allegedly approached her and intentionally set her on fire. According to ABC7, Kawam is believed to have been homeless at the time.
Prosecutors believe Zapeta used a lighter to start the fire and then fanned the flames with a shirt. The Guatemalan native has been charged with one count of first- degree murder, three counts of second-degree murder and one count of first-degree arson.
"These are significant counts. Murder in the first degree carries the possibility of life without parole," said Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez last week. "It's the most serious statute in New York state law, and my office is very confident about the evidence in this case and our ability to hold Zapeta accountable for his dastardly deeds."
Sebastian Zapeta, suspected of burning a woman to death on a train, is taken from the New York Police Department 60th Precinct in Brooklyn on Monday Dec. 23, 2024. (Theodore Parisienne/New York Daily News/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
Zapeta, who customs officials say entered the United States illegally in 2018 and was deported before returning at an undisclosed time, is set to be arraigned on Jan. 7. At that time, his indictment will be unsealed.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams' office is reportedly pushing for additional federal charges for the accused killer.
“Hearts go out to the family, a horrific incident to have to live through,” Adams said during a recent press conference, via PIX 11. “It impacts on how New Yorkers feel. But it really reinforces what I’ve been saying: People should not be living on our subway system, they should be in a place of care. No matter where she lived that should not have happened.”
We'll keep you up to date with more details in this case as they become available.
