New York City residents are grappling with the shocking and tragic murder of 57-year-old Debrina Kawam, who was burned to death aboard an F train on December 22, 2022. The incident occurred at the Coney Island–Stillwell Avenue subway station, stirring outrage and sorrow within the community.
According to the New York Police Department (NYPD), Kawam was sleeping on the train when she became the target of Sebastian Zapeta, 33, who allegedly set her clothes on fire using a lighter. Reports indicate Kawam was pronounced dead at the scene, as the attack quickly engulfed her clothing and left bystanders horrified.
Witnesses described the events as horrifying. Surveillance footage released by the NYPD shows Zapeta approach Kawam before lighting her on fire and then watching as she burned. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch noted, "The depravity of this horrific crime is beyond comprehension," reflecting the sentiments of many following this brutal act.
The quick apprehension of Zapeta was attributed to the vigilance of bystanders. After seeing images released by the police, three high school students recognized him on the subway platform and alerted the authorities. He was taken between subway cars and arrested—with police recovering the lighter he allegedly used. Given his immigration status, Zapeta, originally from Guatemala, faced additional scrutiny, as federal officials indicated he illegally re-entered the United States following his deportation.
Kawam, who had lived briefly within New York City’s homeless shelter system, was identified through fingerprint analysis after her, regrettably, charred body was discovered. Mayor Eric Adams lamented the loss during a press briefing, stating, “Hearts go out to the family, a horrific incident to have to live through. 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.”
Community members expressed outrage over the incident, leading to vigils and calls for justice. Family members, still processing their grief, sought to understand how such violence could erupt from someone who, according to authorities, did not know Kawam prior to the event.
Zapeta faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder and arson, with the possibility of life without parole should he be convicted. His court appearances have raised alarm about the growing issue of homelessness and public safety within the transit system. The following hearing is scheduled for January 7, 2023, where his indictment will be formally unsealed.
Local officials, including Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, have underscored the importance of addressing homeless issues following this tragedy. Gonzalez stated, "Just because someone appears to have been living in the circumstance of homelessness does not mean there isn’t family devastated by the tragic way she lost her life," emphasizing there’s more to every victim’s story.
Many community leaders are calling for more comprehensive mental health and addiction services. They argue for increased support structures to prevent such tragic outcomes from recurring. Toms River Mayor Dan Rodrick went so far as to call for the reinstatement of the death penalty, stating, “People convicted of such heinous crimes, caught on video like this, should be put down like a rabid animal once convicted.”
The heinousness of Zapeta's action—an act of violence not only against Kawam but against the very spirit of safety and security New Yorkers expect at their subway stations—has triggered widespread discussions on social media, leading to debates over crime, security, homelessness, and mental health policies.
While authorities work on the legal front to bring justice to Kawam's family, there remains pressing need for systemic change to protect vulnerable populations within the city. City officials are urged to pursue comprehensive strategies to curb similar incidents and address the root issues leading to homelessness on municipal transport systems. Kawam’s tragic fate has become emblematic of larger systemic failures, prompting urgent calls for action.
Debrina Kawam’s life—taken so senselessly—will not be forgotten. Her case serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of those living on the fringe, offering up a poignant reflection of the harsh realities faced by many in the city. With growing public attention on the issue of homelessness and public safety, perhaps Kawam’s tragic story will catalyze overdue discussions leading to meaningful policy changes.