New York City authorities have identified the victim of a tragic and shocking subway attack that occurred in Brooklyn. Debrina Kawam, 61, from New Jersey, succumbed to horrific injuries after being set on fire during a seemingly random incident on December 22.
The suspect, identified as 33-year-old Sebastian Zapeta, allegedly ignited the blaze using a lighter while Kawam was sleeping. Witnesses report that he exacerbated the fire by using a shirt to fan the flames, observing the devastating act unfold from a nearby bench.
In a significant development, a grand jury has indicted Zapeta on four counts of murder and one count of arson. He claims not to remember the attack, despite being identified in security footage from the scene.
The identification of Kawam’s body took authorities over a week, involving DNA testing and fingerprint analysis. Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez emphasized the urgency of notifying her family, stating, “It’s a priority for me, for my office, for the police department to identify this woman.”
Amidst the investigation, misinformation circulated online, including a fake AI-generated image, which led to public confusion and distress. Community members held a vigil for the victim prior to her identification, demonstrating significant public concern and empathy.
Investigations reveal that Kawam was motionless on a stationary subway train when Zapeta allegedly approached her. Fortunately, emergency response teams quickly extinguished the flames after being alerted by the smell of smoke.
New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch lamented the brutal nature of the crime, calling it “one of the most depraved acts one person could commit against another.”
During a preliminary hearing, prosecutor Ari Rottenberg shared that Zapeta admitted to being under the influence of alcohol but recognized himself in footage of the incident. Originally from Guatemala, he was deported in 2018 but later re-entered the United States illegally, according to immigration authorities. Zapeta is scheduled to return to court on January 7.
