Cops identify NJ woman as mystery straphanger torched to death in horrific NYC subway attack: sources
SUMMARY
The victim of a horrific subway arson attack in Brooklyn on December 22, 2024, has been identified as 61-year-old Debrina Kawam, a homeless woman from Toms River, New Jersey. Kawam was asleep on an F train at the Stillwell Avenue-Coney Island station when she was set on fire by Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, a 33-year-old illegal alien from Guatemala. Zapeta-Calil, who had entered the U.S. in 2018 and was deported shortly thereafter, returned illegally and was living in the city's shelter system. Horrifying video footage shows Zapeta-Calil calmly watching Kawam burn after fanning the flames. Kawam was so severely burned that identification was initially impossible. She had a walker and several bags nearby, and was alive when set on fire. Zapeta-Calil was arrested in Manhattan and charged with first-degree murder, arson, and other offenses. Reports indicate he was heavily intoxicated, using synthetic drugs like K2 and alcohol, at the time of the attack.
