The New York City Police Department has identified the victim of a horrifying subway attack as 61-year-old Debrina Kawam. The New Jersey resident tragically lost her life after being intentionally set on fire while sleeping on an F train on December 22.
According to authorities, the attack occurred as the train approached the Coney Island–Stillwell Avenue station in Brooklyn. Surveillance footage reportedly shows the suspect, 33-year-old Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, walking up to Kawam as she slept, igniting her clothing and blanket with a lighter. Despite efforts to save her, Kawam succumbed to her injuries, with the Office of the Medical Examiner ruling her death a homicide caused by thermal injuries and smoke inhalation.
Zapeta-Calil, an undocumented migrant, was indicted on December 29 in Brooklyn Criminal Court on charges of first- and second-degree murder and arson. Witnesses described the suspect as calm and deliberate during the attack, sparking outrage and calls for justice across the city.
The tragedy has reignited concerns over subway safety, particularly during late-night hours when vulnerable individuals, including the homeless, often use trains as shelters. Advocates have called for increased mental health and social services to prevent similar incidents and address the systemic issues underlying such crimes.
New York City officials, including Mayor Eric Adams, condemned the attack, emphasizing the city’s commitment to ensuring safety on public transportation. “This senseless act of violence against an innocent woman is an attack on the values we hold as a community. We will continue working to protect all New Yorkers, whether they are commuting or seeking refuge,” Adams stated in a press release.
The incident has also intensified political debates about immigration policies and their intersection with public safety. Advocates for immigration reform have urged against using the case to generalize or stigmatize migrant communities.
Kawam’s death has left her family and friends grieving the loss of a woman described as kind-hearted and resilient. Community members have organized vigils in her honor, calling for justice and systemic change to prevent future tragedies.
As the investigation unfolds, questions linger about how such acts of violence can be mitigated, particularly in public spaces. The case stands as a somber reminder of the challenges cities face in balancing safety, compassion, and systemic reform.
