New Jersey Woman Killed in Brooklyn Subway Arson, Suspect Arrested

In a disturbing incident that took place on December 22, a 57-year-old woman named Debrina Kawam was set on fire while she was asleep in a subway car at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station in Brooklyn, New York. Kawam, who was from Toms River, New Jersey, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after the incident. Following a thorough investigation, authorities utilized forensic evidence and video surveillance to confirm her identity and the situation surrounding her death.

Sebastian Zapeta, a 33-year-old man, has been charged with murder in connection to this horrific event. Prosecutors allege that he intentionally set Kawam ablaze and then watched as the fire consumed her, using a shirt to fan the flames. He was apprehended later that day on the same subway line after being recognized by three high school students who alerted the authorities. Although Zapeta claimed he was intoxicated and unaware of his actions, he admitted to being the person depicted in various surveillance images related to the crime.

Zapeta faces several serious charges including first-degree murder and arson, with Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez stating that the full details of the indictment would remain sealed until his arraignment, which is scheduled for January 7. Additionally, Zapeta has a questionable immigration history, having returned to the U.S. after being deported in 2018. Mayor Eric Adams expressed condolences to Kawam's family and underscored the necessity for proper care facilities for individuals experiencing homelessness, emphasizing that such tragedies should not occur in public transit systems. As the investigation continues, Zapeta remains detained at Rikers Island awaiting his court appearance.