In a shocking act of violence, New York City police have identified the victim of a gruesome subway attack that took place on December 22. Debrina Kawam, 57, of New Jersey, was set on fire while asleep on a stationary subway train in Brooklyn. The attack left her body burned beyond recognition.
A Horrific Crime
Police say Sebastian Zapeta, 33, lit Ms. Kawam on fire using a lighter and fanned the flames with a shirt. He allegedly watched the fire grow from a bench just outside the subway car. Described as “one of the most depraved crimes one person could possibly commit against another human being,” by Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, the incident has left the city reeling.
Zapeta, who reportedly has no memory of the attack, was indicted last week on four counts of murder and one count of arson. Julie Bolcer, spokesperson for the Office of Chief Medical Examiner, confirmed the death was a homicide caused by “thermal and inhalational injuries.”
“The identity was confirmed by the medical examiner yesterday through fingerprint analysis, following a multi-agency effort with our partners in law enforcement,” Bolcer said.
A City in Mourning
The attack happened at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue Station in Brooklyn. Authorities believe Ms. Kawam and Mr. Zapeta, who had no prior connection, never interacted before the incident. Ms. Kawam was motionless, likely asleep, when the attack occurred.
Despite efforts by Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) personnel and police to extinguish the flames, Ms. Kawam was declared dead at the scene.
A vigil was held for Ms. Kawam before her identity was confirmed, with locals coming together to honor the victim and condemn the horrific act. However, misinformation, including a fake AI-generated image, circulated online in the aftermath, adding to the tragedy.
The Suspect
Mr. Zapeta, originally from Guatemala, was deported from the U.S. in 2018 but later re-entered the country illegally, immigration officials said. During a preliminary hearing, prosecutor Ari Rottenberg stated that Zapeta admitted to drinking before the attack and could not recall the incident. However, he did recognize himself in surveillance footage showing the fire being lit.
Zapeta remains in custody and is due back in court on January 7.
A Growing Concern for Subway Safety
While NYC officials report declining crime rates on the subway, this attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents that have left riders on edge. Mayor Eric Adams emphasized the importance of keeping people off the subway system who need care.
“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. And no matter where she lived, that should not have happened,” Adams said.
Another Incident Adds to Subway Safety Worries
Just days after Ms. Kawam’s death, another attack occurred in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood, where a man was pushed onto the tracks in front of an oncoming subway. The victim survived but suffered a head injury. Police have detained a suspect in that case.
Final Thoughts
This tragedy highlights the darker side of America’s largest mass transit system. As the investigation unfolds and safety concerns grow, New Yorkers are left grappling with how to navigate a transit system that should be safe for all but increasingly feels like a battleground.
