A tragic event shocked New York City when someone lethally set Debrina Kawam on fire while she slept on a subway, leading to a major arrest.
Debrina Kawam, 57, a Tom’s River, New Jersey, resident, died after being set on fire on December 22 on a subway near Coney Island, Mail Online reported.
On the morning of the incident, around 7:30 am, Kawam, who was homeless, slept on a subway car at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station. Authorities claim Sebastian Zepeta, 33, approached Kawam, used a lighter, and exacerbated the flames with his shirt, which led to her death.
Zepeta, identified as an undocumented immigrant from Guatemala, has faced charges of murder and arson following the incident. The attack not only killed Kawam but also highlighted severe safety concerns on public transit.
Security cameras captured the horrifying moment leading to Kawam’s death. This footage played a crucial role in the subsequent identification and arrest of Zepeta. Law enforcement used this evidence, along with Kawam’s fingerprint data, dental records, and DNA, to both identify the victim and capture the assailant.
The captured footage stirred a severe backlash against the NYPD’s operational protocols since a viral clip showed an officer walking past the fire without intervening. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch later clarified, stating, "Officers who responded were not aware the suspect was on the scene at the time."
The public reacted strongly, with many using social platforms to express their dismay over the NYPD's actions, particularly towards the officer who neglected to stop and help extinguish the flames.
After fleeing the scene, high school students recognized Zepeta from video images released by the police, which led to his arrest later that same day, eight subway stops away at Herald Square. Online videos confirmed his capture, showing the arrest amid a packed subway carriage.
The criminal proceedings against Zepeta have fueled the ongoing national debate about crimes committed by undocumented immigrants. New York City Mayor Eric Adams condemned Zepeta’s actions severely, describing the act of setting someone on fire as reflecting a "level of evil that cannot be tolerated."
The case's impact reverberated through local and national politics as well. Congressman Ritchie Torres critiqued Governor Kathy Hochul’s handling of the city’s issues on the same day Kawam was identified, accusing her of inattention to the unfolding crises.
Amidst political crossfires, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez expressed his intention to keep the case within state jurisdiction. He emphasized the gravity of the state charges, asserting, "Murder in the first degree carries the possibility of life without parole." Gonzalez strongly argued for the state’s capacity to handle the matter, underscoring a robust coordination with federal entities.
Moreover, Mayor Adams urged for federal prosecution, seeking the harshest penalties for Zepeta, while Gonzalez stood firm on the case’s appropriateness for state courts. This legal debate underscores the different perspectives on handling severe crimes involving non-citizens.
The tragedy has significantly affected public perception of safety on mass transit, potentially influencing future security protocols and legal policies regarding undocumented immigrants involved in criminal activities.
As this case progresses, it will likely become a poignant illustration of various intersecting issues: immigration, public safety, and the adequacy of the urban law enforcement response in New York City. Meanwhile, the community continues to mourn Kawam and grapple with the stark reality of her untimely and brutal death.
