A 33-year-old man accused of setting a woman on fire on a New York City subway train pleaded not guilty Tuesday. Sebastian Zapeta, a Guatemalan citizen, maintained that he couldn't recall the events surrounding the attack. His statement, shared in court documents, suggests a possible lack of culpability.
Zapeta, during a police interrogation, reportedly reacted with apparent remorse to video footage of the incident. He expressed regret, saying, "I am very sorry. I didn't mean to," and acknowledged the devastating impact of his actions on the victim, Debrina Kawam. However, he claimed to have been drinking heavily and fallen asleep on the subway prior to the incident, with no recollection of the events leading up to the fire.
The suspect's defense strategy rests on his assertion of a memory lapse. Prosecutors, however, maintain that the attack was intentional. They intend to pursue the maximum punishment – life imprisonment without parole – citing both murder and arson charges. The indictment includes a charge of murder with depraved indifference, indicating a disregard for human life.
Zapeta's past, including his immigration status and prior deportation, adds another layer of complexity to the case. He was living in a Brooklyn shelter and working as a roofer when the incident occurred. He had previously been arraigned on a criminal complaint, but the latest indictment marks the formal launch of a grand jury proceeding.
Despite a recent decline in transit crime citywide, safety concerns persist. New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, highlighting the 78% occurrence of transit crimes on trains and platforms, has announced an increase in officer deployments to high-crime subway stations. This proactive measure is designed to address rider concerns about safety.
Kawam, the victim, had a complicated past with financial difficulties and criminal charges. While details of her life are publicly available, it is important to remember that her circumstances are not the justification for the heinous act.
