Man Pleads Not Guilty to Setting Woman on Fire in NYC Subway
Sebastian Zapeta, a 33-year-old man living in a Brooklyn shelter, pleaded not guilty to setting 57-year-old Debrina Kawam on fire on a New York City subway car just before Christmas. According to court documents, Zapeta was indicted on four counts of murder and one count of arson in connection with Kawam’s death.
Prosecutors Detail Horrific Incident
Prosecutors revealed that Zapeta intentionally lit Kawam on fire while she was sleeping on board an F train at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station on December 22, 2024. Authorities stated that Zapeta fanned the flames with a shirt before sitting on a platform bench and watching her burn. Court documents also showed that Zapeta identified himself in the surveillance videos and photos but claimed he could not remember the events leading up to the incident.
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez condemned the crime as a malicious act and emphasized the severity of the charges Zapeta faces, with murder in the first degree carrying the possibility of life without parole. Gonzalez expressed the need for justice for Kawam and her loved ones and stressed the importance of ensuring subway riders’ safety, especially the city’s most vulnerable residents.
NYPD Takes Action to Enhance Subway Safety
In response to a series of recent subway attacks, including a passenger being pushed in front of a train in Chelsea and multiple transit stabbings, the NYPD announced plans to increase patrols in the subway system. Mayor Eric Adams and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch disclosed that major crime in transit has decreased by over 5%, but acknowledged that many individuals still do not feel secure while using the subway. Tisch detailed the deployment of additional officers onto trains and platforms in the 50 highest-crime stations in the city to address safety concerns among commuters.
Proposed Legislative Changes and Community Support
Governor Kathy Hochul also proposed new legislation in the executive budget to alter the state’s involuntary commitment standards concerning individuals experiencing mental illness in the subway system. Community advocates and local leaders have emphasized the need for enhanced support and security measures to prevent similar tragic incidents from occurring in the future. Rev. Kevin McCall and Pastor Sharmaine Byrd highlighted the impact of Kawam’s death on her family and the community, calling for systemic changes to ensure public safety and well-being.
As a reporter covering this heartbreaking story, it is crucial to recognize the profound impact that such incidents have on individuals and communities. The tragic loss of Debrina Kawam underscores the importance of prioritizing mental health resources, enhancing subway safety measures, and fostering a supportive environment for those in need. By advocating for legislative changes and community engagement, we can work together to prevent future tragedies and create a safer, more compassionate society for all.
