New York City authorities have identified the woman who tragically died after being set on fire on a Brooklyn subway train as Debrina Kawam, of Toms River, New Jersey. The New York Police Department (NYPD) confirmed her identity following an investigation that utilized forensics and video surveillance.
The suspect, Sebastian Zapeta, was apprehended shortly after images of him were released to the public. He now faces indictment on charges of murder and arson. Zapeta is currently in custody. Federal immigration officials have stated that he is a 33-year-old Guatemalan national who entered the U.S. illegally.
Mayor Eric Adams disclosed that Kawam had a brief period of stay within the city's homeless shelter system, though he did not specify the exact dates. He conveyed condolences to the family, calling the incident "horrific" and stressing that no one should be living on the subway system.
According to prosecutors, Zapeta allegedly set Kawam ablaze on a stopped F train at Coney Island station while she appeared to be sleeping. It is alleged that he then fanned the flames with a shirt before calmly watching the scene unfold.
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez has described the incident as a “malicious deed,” highlighting that it involved a vulnerable woman on the subway. Zapeta’s indictment is expected to be unsealed on January 7. The investigation is ongoing.
