Horrific Subway Arson: NYC Mourns Victim, Suspect Faces Murder Charges
The death of Debrina Kawam, a 57-year-old New Jersey resident, has sent shockwaves through New York City following a brutal arson attack on a subway train. Police identified Kawam, who was registered to an address in Toms River, after a thorough investigation utilizing forensic evidence and video surveillance.
The incident unfolded on December 22nd, on a Brooklyn subway car. According to reports, Kawam was asleep when the attack occurred. She tragically burned to death.
Within hours,authorities apprehended 33-year-old sebastian Zapeta,thanks to a crucial tip from observant high school students who recognized the suspect from images released by the NYPD. Zapeta was later charged with murder and arson on Friday and remains in custody.
Federal immigration officials have confirmed Zapeta is a Guatemalan national who entered the U.S. illegally. This detail has added another layer of complexity to the already devastating case.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams expressed his condolences, stating, “Hearts go out to the family, a horrific incident to have to live through.” He further commented on the broader implications, saying, “It impacts on how New Yorkers feel. But it really reinforces what I’ve been saying: Peopel 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.”
Prosecutors paint a grim picture of the attack, alleging Zapeta intentionally set Kawam ablaze on a stopped F train at Coney Island station, even fanning the flames before calmly watching from a nearby bench.Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez described the act as, “This was a malicious deed. A sleeping, vulnerable woman on our subway system.”
Zapeta has yet to enter a plea. The swift arrest, largely due to the quick thinking of the high school students, highlights the importance of community vigilance in times of crisis.