A horrific crime unfolded on the New York City subway system on December 22, 2023, when Debrina Kawam, 57, was set ablaze by Sebastian Zapeta, resulting in her tragic death. The incident was caught on video, showcasing not only the violent act but also the chilling indifference of bystanders.
Kawam was identified as the victim after fingerprint analysis by the New York Medical Examiner’s office confirmed her identity. According to Julie Bolcer, a spokeswoman for the Office of Chief Medical Examiner, her death was ruled as homicide, due to thermal and inhalation injuries sustained during the attack.
The grisly event took place aboard the F train at Brooklyn's Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station. Kawam was reportedly sleeping on the train when Zapeta approached her and calmly ignited her clothing with what authorities believe was a lighter. New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated, "The train was pulling up to the station when the suspect calmly walked up to the victim who was sitting in the corner." Within moments, Kawam’s clothing was engulfed in flames.
Eyewitnesses were horrified as the scene unfolded. Harrowing videos captured Kawam standing at the door of the train, engulfed by flames, as Zapeta reportedly observed. One bystander helplessly shouted, "This is a person right here!" but few intervened, with many recording the shocking moments on their phones instead.
Further investigations revealed Sebastian Zapeta, 33, was charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and first-degree arson. He had previously entered the United States illegally and had been deported after another attempt at re-entry. The Department of Homeland Security indicated they would pursue removal proceedings against him once he is released from custody.
Kawam's background tells the story of hardship. A resident of Toms River, New Jersey, she had once lived vibrantly, described as the warm-hearted cheerleader with dreams of flying high. Sadly, after years of personal struggles, including health issues and financial instability, she eventually faced homelessness. According to friends and associates from her past life, she was once someone brimming with life, but her later years reflected instability. "She could have had everything," remarked former classmate Susan Fraser.
On the freezing morning of her death, Kawam had briefly stayed at various shelters but was likely seeking warmth on the subway car. Witnesses to her last moments also noted the lack of immediate police response; two uniformed officers passed by her without attempting to render aid. Commenting on how the police handled the situation, Andrew Hay of Reuters pointed out, “No one had tried to save her.”
Public outcry followed, not just over the barbaric murder, but over the apparent apathy of the bystanders, drawing comparisons to historical instances where individuals failed to act during violent events, such as the infamous Kitty Genovese case. Social commentary emerged questioning the societal condition inspiring such detachment, emphasizing the need for greater support systems for the vulnerable and mentally ill.
The incident has sparked discussions about crime and public safety within the already strained transit system of New York City. Governor Kathy Hochul faced criticism after attending another subway location to tout safety improvements, only hours after Kawam’s death. Observers described it as tone-deaf amid the horror of the incident, pointing to the gap between reported declining crime rates and the realities faced by those at risk.
Many have criticized how factors such as homelessness and mental health issues contribute to dire situations like Kawam’s. It highlights the urgency for more supportive services and the complexity of the urban crisis. The failed interactions by locals and authorities alike were seen as reflective of broader societal failures and fear among commuters.
Kawam's murder marks another disturbing chapter within the city’s narrative of violence and neglect, showcasing the stark reality faced by the most vulnerable and a collective reflective moment on human empathy and societal responsibility.