The woman tragically set on fire in a New York City subway earlier this month has been identified as Debrina Kawam, 57, from Toms River, New Jersey, according to police reports. The incident occurred on December 22 while Kawam was asleep in an idle F train at the Stillwell Avenue station in Brooklyn, shortly before 7:30 a.m. A male suspect ignited the fire and fled the scene, leaving the community in shock.
New York City officials, including Mayor Eric Adams, expressed their condolences to Kawam’s family, labeling the act as horrific and distressing for residents. Mayor Adams mentioned that Kawam had briefly stayed in the city’s homeless shelter system, highlighting the unfortunate circumstances surrounding her death.
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez also conveyed his sympathies, emphasizing that even those facing homelessness have families who are deeply affected by such tragedies. In response to this incident, a vigil was held to honor Kawam at the subway station.
Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, 33, a Guatemalan citizen, has been charged in connection with the case following his arrest, which was facilitated by police body camera footage and tips from subway riders who recognized him. He faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder, with the possibility of life imprisonment without parole.
This incident not only highlights the vulnerabilities faced by those experiencing homelessness but also shows the community’s response to violence and injustice. It serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing social issues to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. The ongoing legal proceedings against Zapeta-Calil will hopefully bring some level of justice to Kawam’s family and the wider community devastated by her loss.
The resilient spirit of New Yorkers shines through as they come together to remember and honor the life of Debrina Kawam, aiming to foster a safer environment for all.