Sebastian Zapeta, a 33-year-old Guatemalan man, pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and arson in connection with a tragic incident on a Brooklyn subway car. The accused, who entered the U.S. illegally in 2018, allegedly set a sleeping woman on fire as she sat on a subway bench.
The victim, identified as Debrina Kawam, a 57-year-old from Toms River, New Jersey, suffered fatal injuries in the attack. The horrific incident took place at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station in Brooklyn, where the suspect calmly approached the victim and ignited her clothing with a lighter. The victim's remains were so badly burned that it took authorities over a week to identify her.
Mayor Eric Adams expressed shock at the surveillance video of the attack, describing it as twisted and disturbing. The suspect, after setting the victim on fire, sat on a nearby bench and watched as the flames engulfed her. Quick action by transit workers and responding officers prevented further harm, with the suspect being apprehended at the next subway stop.
Zapeta, who faces a potential life sentence without parole if convicted, appeared in court with the assistance of an interpreter and did not speak during the hearing. His lawyer mentioned that he required medical attention, although specific details were not disclosed. The judge ordered him to be held without bail until his next court appearance scheduled for March 12.
The incident has raised concerns about subway safety, especially in light of the doubling of homicides on the subway system compared to the previous year. The NYPD released its end-of-year crime statistics, highlighting an overall decrease in crime but a troubling rise in subway-related violence.
