Authorities have identified the victim of a deadly subway fire in Brooklyn as Debrina Kawam, a 57-year-old woman from Toms River, New Jersey. Kawam was fatally set on fire aboard an F train at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station on December 22.
Incident Details Recap
Surveillance footage captured the shocking crime, showing 33-year-old Sebastian Zapeta allegedly setting Kawam’s clothing ablaze with a lighter while she slept in the subway car. Zapeta reportedly fanned the flames before sitting on a nearby bench, watching the fire engulf Kawam. She died at the scene from thermal injuries and smoke inhalation, with the New York City Medical Examiner ruling her death a homicide.
The Victim’s Identity
Due to the severity of her injuries, Kawam’s identity could not be immediately confirmed. After over a week, investigators used fingerprint analysis to positively identify her.
Debrina Kawam’s Background
Kawam’s life had its share of struggles. A 1985 graduate of Passaic Valley Regional High School, she was remembered for her ambitions and lively spirit. In recent years, however, she experienced homelessness and minor legal troubles. Public records indicate she stayed briefly at a women’s shelter in the Bronx in November but left shortly after.
The Suspect and Charges
Zapeta was arrested hours after the attack and has since been indicted on charges including first-degree murder and arson. He allegedly claimed he was intoxicated at the time and did not remember the incident, though he recognized himself in surveillance footage. Zapeta, an undocumented immigrant from Guatemala, had been deported in 2018 but returned to the U.S. illegally. He had been living in a Brooklyn shelter for individuals with substance abuse challenges before the attack. If convicted, he faces life in prison without parole.
Community Outcry For A Safer Subway System
The senseless violence has sparked outrage across New York and New Jersey. Mayor Eric Adams called the crime “a shocking and horrific act” and emphasized the city’s ongoing efforts to address homelessness and mental health issues in the subway system.
New Yorkers, while noting a decline in overall subway crime, expressed concerns about safety on public transit. Advocacy groups are urging stronger measures to protect vulnerable individuals and improve subway security.
A Call for Change
Kawam’s tragic death underscores the dangers faced by marginalized individuals and the urgent need for systemic change. Her family and community in Toms River are left mourning a life cut short in an act of unimaginable cruelty.
As the case moves through the courts, it has prompted renewed conversations about public safety, homelessness, and accountability in urban spaces.
