Official NYPD announcements and public records

Sebastian Zapeta Pleads Not Guilty in NYC Subway Arson Killing of Debrina Kawam

Jan 7, 2025, 05:45 PM

Sebastian Zapeta, a 33-year-old undocumented migrant from Guatemala, has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and arson in the death of 57-year-old Debrina Kawam. The incident occurred on December 22, 2024, when Zapeta allegedly set Kawam on fire while she was sleeping on a stationary F train at Brooklyn's Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station. Prosecutors claim Zapeta fanned the flames with a shirt and watched as Kawam burned. Kawam, a New Jersey native who had recently experienced homelessness, died from thermal injuries and smoke inhalation. Zapeta, who had been deported from the U.S. in 2018 and later re-entered illegally, was living in a Brooklyn shelter at the time of the attack. He reportedly told police he was intoxicated and did not remember the incident, but surveillance footage and witness recognition led to his arrest. Zapeta reacted to the video evidence by saying, "Oh damn, that's me." His next court date is set for March 12, and a memorial service for Kawam will be held on January 12. The NYPD has increased subway patrols in response to the case, which has reignited concerns about subway safety in New York City. Zapeta faces a maximum sentence of life without parole if convicted.