Authorities in New York City have identified the woman who tragically died after being set on fire in a subway car.
The victim, 61-year-old Debrina Kawam, was a resident of Toms River, New Jersey, according to the NYPD... Continue reading here ▶
While it’s unclear if Kawam was homeless, police provided an address linked to an independent home that was sold earlier this year.
The suspect, 33-year-old Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, has been charged with murder. Police say the attack happened on Sunday, December 22, in Brooklyn.
New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch explained during a press conference that Kawam was sitting quietly in a corner of the subway car when the train was pulling into a station.
Zapeta-Calil allegedly walked up to her and, without any interaction or warning, used a lighter to ignite her clothing. Within seconds, her clothes were fully engulfed in flames.
NYPD Chief of Transit Joseph M. Gulotta noted that the victim was sitting motionless when the suspect approached her. After the attack, Zapeta-Calil allegedly sat calmly on a bench nearby while officers arrived and attempted to help Kawam, unaware he was the attacker.
Zapeta-Calil has been charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and first-degree arson. If convicted, he could face life in prison without parole. He has not yet entered a plea.
