Police Identify Woman Set on Fire in Deadly New York City Subway Attack
New York City police have identified the victim of a horrific subway attack as Debrina Kawam, a 57-year-old woman from New Jersey. Kawam was killed on December 22, 2024, when a man set her clothing ablaze while she was sitting on a stationary F train at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station in Brooklyn. The suspect, 33-year-old Sebastian Zapeta, was arrested hours later.
Surveillance footage showed Zapeta lighting Kawam’s clothing on fire before sitting on a nearby bench to watch. Her clothing quickly became engulfed in flames, and she was pronounced dead at the scene. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and authorities described the crime as “depraved and senseless.”
Zapeta, a Guatemalan citizen who had previously been deported from the U.S., was recognized by high school students after police released surveillance images. He now faces murder and arson charges. Officials have vowed to seek the harshest penalties for the crime.
This tragic incident has renewed conversations about subway safety, with local leaders emphasizing the need for better security measures, including expanded video surveillance and more police presence .
Police Identify Victim in NYC Subway Fire Attack
Police identified Debrina Kawam, a 57-year-old from New Jersey, as the victim of a brutal subway attack in New York City. On December 22, 2024, Sebastian Zapeta, 33, set Kawam’s clothing on fire while she sat on a stationary F train in Brooklyn. Surveillance footage captured Zapeta watching her burn before fleeing.
Authorities apprehended him hours later, with help from high school students who recognized him from police photos. Zapeta faces murder and arson charges in what officials called an act of “horrific depravity.”
The incident has sparked discussions about subway safety improvements, including increased surveillance and police patrols .
New York City Subway Attack: Police Identify Victim and Suspect in Shocking Case
On December 22, 2024, New York City witnessed one of its most horrifying subway crimes. Police identified the victim of the attack as Debrina Kawam, a 57-year-old New Jersey resident, who tragically lost her life when a man set her clothing on fire inside a stationary subway train at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station in Brooklyn. The suspect, 33-year-old Sebastian Zapeta, was arrested hours later and now faces charges of murder and arson.
Details of the Incident
Surveillance footage from the F train station revealed the chilling sequence of events. Kawam, who appeared to be sleeping or sitting motionless, became the target of an unprovoked attack. Zapeta, seen approaching her with a lighter, set her clothing ablaze. Within seconds, her clothing became engulfed in flames. Witnesses described the scene as horrifying, with some passengers attempting to extinguish the fire before authorities arrived.
What shocked investigators further was Zapeta’s behavior. After setting Kawam on fire, he reportedly sat on a nearby bench on the subway platform, watching the tragic event unfold. Despite efforts by transit workers and emergency responders, Kawam was pronounced dead at the scene.
“This is one of the most depraved crimes one person could possibly commit against another human being,” stated Jessica Tisch, New York City Police Commissioner.
The Suspect: Background and Arrest
Sebastian Zapeta, identified as the suspect, is a Guatemalan citizen who had previously been deported from the United States in 2018. Authorities confirmed that he re-entered the country illegally, although the circumstances of his return remain under investigation.
Following the attack, New York City police circulated surveillance images of the suspect, which led to his swift arrest. A group of high school students riding the subway recognized Zapeta and reported his location to the police. He was apprehended while riding the same subway line later that day.
Zapeta, who had been residing at a housing facility managed by Samaritan Daytop Village, a nonprofit providing support for those struggling with substance abuse and homelessness, had no prior known connection to the victim. Investigators are still trying to determine his motive, though early reports suggest mental instability.
The Victim: Remembering Debrina Kawam
While little is publicly known about Debrina Kawam, friends and family described her as a kind and caring individual. Tributes poured in from New Jersey and beyond, with many expressing outrage over the senseless violence that led to her death.
“This was an act of pure evil against an innocent woman who did nothing to provoke it,” said Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez. “We are committed to ensuring the perpetrator faces the full weight of justice for this heinous crime.”
Renewed Focus on Subway Safety
The incident has reignited debates over safety in New York City’s subway system, which has seen an uptick in violent crimes in recent years. Governor Kathy Hochul had already deployed National Guard members to assist with subway patrols during the holiday season, and additional security measures had been implemented, including random bag checks and surveillance cameras on every train car.
Michael Kemper, Chief Security Officer for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), credited the extensive surveillance system with helping track down the suspect quickly. However, the attack has raised questions about the adequacy of existing measures.
Transit advocacy groups have called for a comprehensive review of subway security, including better mental health interventions for vulnerable individuals and an increased police presence during off-peak hours.
Public Reaction and Broader Implications
The subway attack has drawn widespread condemnation from both city officials and the public. Many see the crime as a grim reminder of the challenges facing urban transit systems, from addressing violent crimes to supporting individuals experiencing mental health crises.
Activists and policymakers are also using the incident to call for immigration reform and better border control, given the suspect’s previous deportation. Critics argue that such attacks underline systemic gaps in addressing illegal re-entry and public safety.
Justice for Kawam
Zapeta is currently in custody, awaiting arraignment. If convicted, he faces life imprisonment. As the investigation continues, Kawam’s family and the New York community are seeking justice and reforms to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable dangers facing public transit users and the need for ongoing vigilance in ensuring the safety and security of all riders.
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