Debrina Kawam
Woman Tragically Killed in NYC Subway Fire Identified as Debrina Kawam
By Marsh (Edi) Baptise
Brooklyn, NY - Authorities have identified the victim of a horrifying attack in a New York City subway as 61-year-old Debrina Kawam, a resident of Toms River, New Jersey. The tragic incident occurred on an F train in Brooklyn on December 22, 2024, when Kawam was set on fire in what police described as a senseless and depraved act. She suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The attack was carried out by 33-year-old Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, who allegedly ignited Kawam’s clothing without any prior interaction. Zapeta-Calil, an illegal immigrant from Guatemala with a history of deportation, was arrested shortly after the incident. He has been charged with first- and second-degree murder as well as first-degree arson. If convicted, he faces the possibility of life imprisonment without parole.
Due to the extent of the burns Kawam sustained, identifying her body was a significant challenge for investigators. After days of uncertainty, advanced fingerprint analysis confirmed her identity, bringing closure to a critical aspect of the case. Authorities revealed that Kawam had been living in New Jersey but had also spent time in New York City’s homeless shelter system, highlighting the precarious circumstances she faced before her death.
The brutal nature of the attack has drawn widespread condemnation. New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch called it “one of the most depraved crimes one person could possibly commit against another human being.” Mayor Eric Adams echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for justice and stating, “Lighting another human being on fire and watching them burn alive reflects a level of evil that cannot be tolerated.”
Kawam’s death has also reignited discussions about the vulnerabilities faced by individuals experiencing homelessness. Advocates have called for greater protections and resources to prevent such tragedies and ensure that marginalized members of society are not left without support. Her tragic story serves as a stark reminder of the dangers many face daily and the importance of systemic reforms to address these challenges.
As Zapeta-Calil awaits his next court appearance, scheduled for January 7, the community continues to mourn the loss of Debrina Kawam, a woman whose life was cut short in an act of senseless violence. Her story has sparked an outpouring of grief and anger, underscoring the need for justice and meaningful change to prevent such devastating incidents in the future.