Debrina Kawam, a 57-year-old woman from Toms River, New Jersey, was tragically set on fire in a New York City subway. The attack occurred on December 22, 2024, at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station. Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, a 33-year-old Guatemalan citizen, was arrested and charged with murder and arson. The incident has raised significant concerns about safety on the subway system and highlighted issues related to homelessness.
In a shocking incident that has gripped New York City, Debrina Kawam, a 57-year-old woman from Toms River, New Jersey, was identified as the victim of a horrific attack on the subway. On December 22, 2024, Kawam was set on fire while sleeping on a stationary F train at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station in Brooklyn. The attack, which was captured on video, has led to the arrest of Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, who faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder and arson.
Debrina Kawam was asleep on an idle F train at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station when Sebastian Zapeta-Calil allegedly set her on fire. The incident occurred early on December 22, 2024, and was captured on surveillance cameras. Zapeta-Calil was seen fanning the flames with a shirt and watching the fire from a bench outside the subway car. He was arrested later that day after being identified through police body camera footage and tips from subway riders. Zapeta-Calil, a Guatemalan citizen who had previously been deported, was charged with first-degree murder and arson. The charges carry the possibility of life without parole [1][2].
Debrina Kawam was identified through fingerprint and DNA analysis after her body was burned beyond recognition. She was initially reported to be 61 years old but later confirmed to be 57. Kawam had a brief stint in New York City's homeless shelter system, which Mayor Eric Adams highlighted during a press conference. Adams expressed his condolences to Kawam's family and emphasized the need for better care for homeless individuals. The identification process involved multiple agencies working together to gather evidence and notify Kawam's family [3][4].
The brutal nature of the attack has sparked outrage and concern among New Yorkers. Mayor Eric Adams stated, "No matter where she lived, that should not have happened," emphasizing the need for improved safety measures in the subway system. The incident has reignited discussions about the safety of the city's mass transit system and the treatment of homeless individuals. A vigil was held in Kawam's honor, and there has been a significant outpouring of support for her family. The case has also prompted calls for additional federal charges against Zapeta-Calil, reflecting the severity of the crime [5][6].
The tragic death of Debrina Kawam has highlighted serious concerns about safety and homelessness in New York City's subway system. The arrest and indictment of Sebastian Zapeta-Calil have brought some measure of justice, but the incident has left a lasting impact on the community. As authorities continue to investigate, there is a renewed call for comprehensive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all subway riders, particularly those who are homeless. The case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by individuals living on the streets and the urgent need for systemic change.
"Lighting another human being on fire and watching them burn alive reflects a level of evil that cannot be tolerated." - Mayor Eric Adams
"This was a malicious deed, a sleeping vulnerable woman on our subway system." - Eric Gonzalez
"It really reinforces what I've been saying, people should not be living on our subway system, they should be in a place of care." - Mayor Eric Adams