NEW YORK CITY — Authorities on Sunday identified the victim of a deadly subway attack in Brooklyn as Debrina Kawam, 61, a former resident of Toms River, New Jersey. Kawam was set on fire in an unprovoked assault while sleeping on an F train at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station on Dec. 22. The incident has ignited debates over subway safety, support for vulnerable populations, and immigration enforcement in New York City.
The attack occurred around 7:30 a.m. on a stationary subway car at the southern Brooklyn terminal, according to the NYPD. Surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts revealed that a man approached Kawam, who was alone in the train car, and used a lighter to ignite her clothing. Within seconds, the fire consumed her, and she succumbed to her injuries. Emergency responders pronounced her dead at the scene shortly before 8 a.m.
Police quickly identified 33-year-old Sebastian Zapeta, a Guatemalan national who had previously been deported from the United States, as the primary suspect in the attack. Authorities apprehended Zapeta later that day, after a group of high school students riding a different subway line recognized him from images circulated by the police and alerted officers.
Zapeta has since been charged with first-degree murder, three counts of second-degree murder, and arson. Prosecutors described the crime as “heinous and depraved” during his arraignment on Dec. 24. Zapeta, who reportedly told police he had been drinking heavily and could not recall the attack, has not entered a plea.
Victim Identified as Toms River Resident
Kawam was initially listed as a Jane Doe as investigators worked to confirm her identity. On Dec. 31, police announced that she had been identified as Debrina Kawam, a former New Jersey resident who had been staying in homeless shelters in New York City since September.
Kawam’s family is from the Little Falls and Totowa area of New Jersey, where she had spent much of her earlier life. She graduated from high school in Little Falls in 1985 before eventually moving to Toms River. Relatives have not publicly commented on her death, but news of her murder has shocked both communities in New York and New Jersey.
An autopsy confirmed that Kawam’s death was caused by heat-related burns and smoke inhalation. Officials have stated that there was no prior connection between Kawam and her alleged attacker, suggesting that the attack was random and unprovoked.
Suspect’s Background Sparks Immigration Debate
Sebastian Zapeta, the man charged with Kawam’s murder, is a Guatemalan national who had been deported from the United States in 2018 after attempting to enter the country illegally via the Arizona-Mexico border. It remains unclear how long Zapeta had been back in the United States or how he reentered the country.
The revelation that Zapeta had previously been deported has reignited debate over immigration enforcement policies and the challenges of tracking individuals who illegally reenter the country after deportation. Critics of New York City’s “sanctuary city” policies, which limit local law enforcement’s cooperation with federal immigration authorities, have pointed to the case as an example of the potential risks associated with such policies.
Tom Homan, the incoming federal border czar, criticized New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams, claiming their policies create “sanctuaries for illegal immigrants.” In a statement, Homan said, “This horrific act could have been avoided if there were stricter enforcement of immigration laws.”
Zapeta was arraigned two days after the attack, during which prosecutors detailed the gruesome nature of the crime and the evidence linking him to the scene. Surveillance footage captured Zapeta sitting on a bench at the subway station after the attack, reportedly watching as Kawam burned. Additional video evidence showed him fanning the flames with a T-shirt before leaving the scene.
The NYPD initially failed to identify him as the suspect at the scene, but the video later proved instrumental in his arrest.
Outrage and Calls for Justice
The murder has sparked outrage among city officials, community leaders, and the public. Toms River Mayor Dan Rodrick issued one of the most forceful responses, calling for the reinstatement of the death penalty in New York and New Jersey.
“We should at least be able to have the death penalty for those who are caught on video committing these heinous murders,” Rodrick said in a statement. “People convicted of these types of crimes should be put down like a rabid dog. People like that cannot be rehabilitated.”
New York City Mayor Eric Adams condemned the attack, calling it “one of the most depraved acts of violence we’ve seen on our subway system.” Adams also praised the high school students who helped identify Zapeta, calling their actions “a testament to the courage and responsibility of our citizens.”
NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban echoed Adams’ sentiments, describing the crime as “horrifying and unacceptable.” Caban emphasized the department’s commitment to ensuring justice for Kawam and her family, adding that the attack underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to improve subway safety.
Subway Safety in the Spotlight
The attack occurred just hours before Governor Hochul highlighted her administration’s recent efforts to enhance subway safety. In a statement on Dec. 22, Hochul noted that subway crime had declined in recent months, citing an increase in police presence and other safety measures. However, the governor acknowledged that more work needs to be done to protect vulnerable individuals in the transit system.
“This attack is a stark reminder of the challenges we still face,” Hochul said in a subsequent statement. “We remain committed to surging resources and personnel to ensure our subways are safe for every rider.”
Advocates for the homeless and other vulnerable populations have called for additional measures to protect individuals who rely on the subway system as a place to sleep or seek shelter, particularly during the winter months.
The incident has also renewed scrutiny of the NYPD’s handling of subway crime. Body camera footage from officers responding to the scene reportedly shows them walking past Kawam as she burned, failing to attempt to extinguish the flames. An MTA employee ultimately used a fire extinguisher to put out the fire.
A Community in Mourning
As details about Kawam’s life emerge, those who knew her have expressed shock and sorrow over her tragic death. While little is known about her recent struggles, neighbors and acquaintances in Toms River described her as a kind and gentle woman who had fallen on hard times.
The incident has left many questioning how such an attack could happen in one of the busiest public transportation systems in the world. For some, it has also underscored the vulnerability of individuals experiencing homelessness and the need for stronger protections and resources.
The NYPD has urged anyone with additional information about the case to come forward as the investigation continues. Meanwhile, the suspect remains in custody as prosecutors prepare for a trial that could bring further attention to issues of public safety, mental health, and immigration policy in New York City.