Authorities in New York have identified the victim of a tragic incident on December 22, where a woman was fatally set on fire inside a subway train.
The victim has been identified as Debrina Kawam, a 61-year-old resident from Toms River, New Jersey. The New York Police Department (NYPD) utilized forensic evidence and video surveillance to confirm her identity after the horrific incident occurred on a Brooklyn subway car.
The investigation quickly led to the arrest of Sebastian Zapeta, 33, who was apprehended merely hours after police released images of the suspect to the public. Zapeta has since been indicted on charges of murder and arson. He is currently detained, and federal immigration authorities have disclosed that Zapeta is from Guatemala and had entered the United States illegally.
Mayor Eric Adams acknowledged that Kawam had a brief period within the city’s homeless shelter system, and affirmed that communication with her family has been established. In a public statement, Adams expressed condolences to Kawam’s family, emphasizing that such a tragedy underscores the urgent need for secure living conditions for all residents and stresses that no individual should endure such vulnerability on the subway system.
Prosecutors allege that Zapeta attacked Kawam while she appeared to be asleep on a stationary F train at the Coney Island station. They describe a chilling scene where Zapeta reportedly used a shirt to fan the flames engulfing Kawam and then watched her suffer from a nearby bench platform. Such actions have drawn strong condemnation from Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, who labeled the attack as a ‘malicious deed’ against a defenseless victim.
Although Zapeta has not yet entered a plea, his indictment is scheduled to be unsealed on January 7. At a hearing on December 27, Zapeta’s attorney chose not to comment, and Zapeta was absent. Reports suggest he admitted to being inebriated during the incident and identified himself in security footage showing the ignition of the fire.
The arrest of Zapeta was facilitated by a tip from several high school students who recognized the suspect’s image. Their prompt action contributed significantly to the swift capture of Zapeta following Kawam’s death.
This tragic incident highlights significant societal issues, such as the need for improved safety and welfare systems. Such events leave a lasting impact on public sentiment and underscore challenges in urban security and social support networks.
Source: Sun-sentinel
