The New York Police Department (NYPD) announced on Tuesday that the woman who tragically died on December 22 after being set on fire in a Brooklyn subway train has been identified as Debrina Kawam, a 61-year-old resident of Toms River, New Jersey.
Authorities had initially relied on forensic evidence and video surveillance to determine Kawam’s identity.
Suspect in Custody
The suspect in the case, Sebastian Zapeta, a 33-year-old Guatemalan national, was apprehended just hours after the police released surveillance images. He has since been charged with murder and arson and remains in custody. Federal immigration officials confirmed that Zapeta had entered the United States illegally.
Mayor’s Statement
New York City Mayor Eric Adams extended condolences to Kawam’s family during a press briefing on Tuesday. He revealed that Kawam had previously spent a brief period in the city’s homeless shelter system, though he did not specify the timing of her stay.
Mayor Adams emphasized the importance of ensuring safety on public transportation and reiterated his stance against individuals living on subway systems.
“Hearts go out to the family, a horrific incident to have to live through,” Adams said. “It impacts on how New Yorkers feel. But it really reinforces what I’ve been saying: People should not be living on our subway system, they should be in a place of care. No matter where she lived, that should not have happened.”
Public Reaction
The horrific nature of the crime has sparked widespread concern and sadness among New Yorkers. The incident underscores ongoing issues related to homelessness, public safety, and immigration enforcement within the city.
Investigations into the circumstances leading to this tragic event are ongoing.
