Woman Set on Fire in NYC Subway Identified
Authorities have identified the woman who was set on fire inside a New York City subway train as Debrina Kawam, a 61-year-old woman with a last known address in New Jersey. She was the victim of a heinous attack on the F train at Brooklyn’s Coney Island station earlier this month. Kawam had also spent some time in the city’s shelter system, according to New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
Suspect Still at Large
Sebastian Zapeta has been accused of lighting Kawam on fire and fanning the flames with a shirt, causing her to become engulfed in the blaze. The Brooklyn District Attorney, Eric Gonzalez, described the act as malicious, targeting a sleeping and vulnerable woman in the subway system. Zapeta has been charged with multiple counts of murder as well as an arson charge, carrying a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole. The indictment is set to be unsealed on Jan. 7.
Community Gathers in Remembrance
A prayer vigil was held by the Coney Island community for Kawam, a homeless woman who tragically lost her life in the subway attack. The incident has sparked renewed discussions about safety in the nation’s largest mass transit system. While overall crime in the subway remains relatively rare, recent incidents like this have raised concerns among riders. Homicides were up this year, with nine killings through November compared to five during the same period last year, excluding the recent subway-related deaths. High-profile attacks have put many riders on edge in a city where millions rely on the subway daily.
Addressing Safety Concerns
The tragic death of Debrina Kawam has shed light on the importance of safety measures in public transportation systems. Authorities and advocacy groups are working to ensure the safety and security of all passengers, implementing measures to prevent such heinous acts from occurring in the future. As the investigation into Kawam’s death continues, the community remains vigilant, standing together to remember her and demand justice for this senseless crime.
