The tragic story of a woman set ablaze on a New York City subway train has taken a new turn, as officials have finally confirmed the victim’s identity after weeks of public speculation. The New York Police Department revealed that the woman was 61-year-old Debrina Kawam from Toms River, New Jersey. She was the victim of a horrifying attack that occurred on the morning of December 21 aboard an F train in Brooklyn. Her identity had remained a mystery for days following the attack, as no family or acquaintances initially came forward to claim or identify her.
The suspect, 33-year-old Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, is a Guatemalan national who is reportedly living in the United States unlawfully. Authorities stated that Zapeta had previously been deported but managed to reenter the country without documentation. His immigration history has added another layer to the public discussion surrounding the case, especially regarding illegal migration and crime. However, officials have so far released minimal information about Kawam beyond her name, age, and place of residence.
The details of the attack are as disturbing as they are heartbreaking. Investigators believe Kawam had been sleeping on the subway when Zapeta approached her and set her clothes on fire using a match or lighter. Within seconds, flames engulfed her body. According to authorities, the suspect did not flee the scene but instead stayed nearby on the station platform, allegedly watching as the woman succumbed to her injuries. This shocking act has been widely condemned and described as a heinous example of human cruelty.
New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch spoke about the incident in a press conference, emphasizing the depravity of the crime. She recounted that local patrol officers noticed smoke and rushed to the train where they found Kawam still burning. Officers attempted to extinguish the flames, but the damage had already been done. Zapeta was arrested later that day, found with a lighter in his possession. Witnesses further alleged that during the attack, he intensified the flames by waving a shirt over the victim, a gesture seen as deliberate and malicious.
Following his arrest, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed that Zapeta had been previously deported in 2018 after being apprehended by Border Patrol in Arizona. The agency noted that he returned to the U.S. at an unspecified time and location. Zapeta now faces serious charges, including first- and second-degree murder and arson. His arraignment is scheduled for January 7, 2025, as the case continues to attract national attention and renew concerns about the enforcement of immigration laws and the safety of public spaces.