Man Charged with Murder and Arson in Fatal Subway Attack in New York City
A 33-year-old man is set to be arraigned in Brooklyn court on Tuesday, facing murder and arson charges in connection with the death of 57-year-old Debrina Kawam.
Sebastian Zapeta, a Guatemalan citizen, is accused of setting Kawam on fire while she was asleep on a stopped F train at Coney Island station in Brooklyn on December 22. According to prosecutors, Zapeta ignited the fire and then fanned the flames with a shirt while sitting on a nearby bench and watching as Kawam burned.
Zapeta, who has a history of alcohol use, reportedly admitted to police that he was the person in surveillance footage but claimed he had no recollection of the events due to his drinking. Authorities say Zapeta entered the U.S. illegally after being deported in 2018.
He faces multiple murder charges, including one for first-degree murder, and an arson charge. The top charge carries a potential life sentence without the possibility of parole. Zapeta had previously been arraigned on a criminal complaint, but his case now proceeds following a grand jury indictment in late December.
The brutal killing has sparked renewed concerns about safety in New York City’s subway system, despite overall crime in the transit network being relatively low. In 2023, transit crime fell by 5.4%, and major crimes citywide dropped by 3%, according to NYPD data. However, New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch acknowledged that many subway riders still feel unsafe.
To address these concerns, Tisch announced plans to deploy over 200 additional officers to subway trains and platforms, specifically focusing on the 50 stations with the highest crime rates. The increased police presence will be aimed at preventing further incidents and reassuring the public of their safety.
As the investigation into Kawam’s death continues, Zapeta’s trial will likely bring further attention to the issue of subway security and crime in the city.
