Woman Set on Fire on NYC Subway: A Tragic Incident

<img src="https://i.abcnewsfe.com/a/aac0144c-1ecf-4ed2-8e0e-71ecc58e4423/subway-burning-suspect-01-ap-jef-241227_1735308540296_hpMain.jpg" alt="Suspect in custody">

On December 22nd, a horrific incident unfolded on a stationary F train at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station in Brooklyn. 61-year-old Debrina Kawam, a resident of Toms River, New Jersey, was sleeping when she was allegedly set on fire by 33-year-old Sebastian Zapeta, a Guatemalan citizen who had illegally re-entered the U.S.

<img src="https://i.abcnewsfe.com/a/e590f1e8-d557-401d-ac6c-58e966bfaf9c/sebastian-zapeta-rt-bb-241231_1735665183223_hpEmbed_16x9.jpg" alt="Surveillance image of suspect">

The Attack and Arrest

Police responded swiftly to reports of smoke, discovering Ms. Kawam engulfed in flames. She tragically died at the scene. Zapeta, who remained at the scene after the attack, was identified with the help of three high school students and arrested hours later with a lighter in his possession. He's been charged with first-degree and second-degree murder and first-degree arson.

Official Statements and Aftermath

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez stated that the crime was "beyond comprehension" and vowed to bring Zapeta to justice. NYC Mayor Eric Adams expressed condolences to Kawam's family and highlighted the incident's impact on public perception of subway safety, despite overall crime statistics showing a decrease.

Suspect's Immigration Status

Zapeta was previously deported to Guatemala in 2018 but illegally re-entered the U.S. ICE will lodge an immigration detainer with the NYPD. The motive for the crime remains under investigation.

The Victim

Mayor Adams noted that Kawam had recently stayed at a city homeless shelter, emphasizing the need for better care for vulnerable individuals in the city. This incident underscores the tragic consequences of both violence and homelessness in New York City.