In a shocking incident that occurred in December 2024, a woman was viciously set on fire while she was in a New York City subway. This victim has been identified as Debrina Kawam, a 57-year-old resident of Toms River, New Jersey. The NYPD and Mayor Eric Adams held a press conference to provide further details about this horrifying crime, shedding light on the disturbing nature of the attack and the ongoing investigation. This incident has raised significant concerns about safety in public transit systems, prompting discussions about the need for increased security measures in the subway.

Continue reading to uncover more about Debrina Kawam and the circumstances surrounding this tragic case.

Discover the Life of Debrina Kawam: A Victim of a Subway Attack

Debrina Kawam was a 57-year-old woman from Toms River, New Jersey, whose life was tragically cut short by a brutal act of violence. Initially, reports from the NYPD mistakenly reported her age as 61, but this was later corrected. Mayor Adams highlighted that Kawam had experienced a “brief stint” in New York’s homeless shelter system, emphasizing the vulnerability that many individuals face in urban environments. This incident has not only impacted her family but also resonates with the broader community, raising awareness about the dangers faced by vulnerable populations in the city.

In a heartfelt statement during a news conference on December 31, 2024, Mayor Adams expressed his condolences, saying, “Our hearts go out to the family. This horrific incident is difficult for anyone to comprehend, and just watching that tape was unbearable. It deeply affects how New Yorkers perceive safety in their daily lives.” His words reflect the collective grief and shock experienced by the community, shedding light on the urgent need for enhanced public safety measures.

#Brooklyn: Authorities have identified the victim in the horrifying F train attack as Debrina Kawam, 61, of Toms River, New Jersey. Kawam was sleeping on a stationary train at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station when Sebastian Zapeta, 33, allegedly set her on fire and… pic.twitter.com/rXRuiupQQf

— Citizen NYC (@CitizenAppNYC) December 31, 2024

Unraveling the Events: What Happened to Debrina Kawam on the Subway?

On the morning of December 22, 2024, Debrina Kawam was peacefully asleep on an idle F subway train in Brooklyn. Around 7:30 a.m., a man was spotted near her in the train car, and in a shocking act of violence, he set her ablaze before fleeing the scene. This brutal attack shocked the local community and sparked outrage among subway riders, who were horrified by the senselessness of the crime.

The suspect in this heinous act was identified as Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, a 33-year-old man who was apprehended the same day. Subway riders alerted authorities after recognizing him from police body cam footage captured hours after the attack, leading to his swift arrest. He faces serious charges, including four counts of murder and one count of arson, reflecting the gravity of this crime and the community’s demand for justice.

According to the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, Zapeta-Calil is charged with one count of first-degree murder, three counts of second-degree murder, and one count of first-degree arson. If found guilty, the first-degree murder charge could lead to a life sentence in prison, highlighting the severe consequences of such violent actions against innocent individuals.

Examining the Alarming Trends: Subway Murders in NYC for 2024

In 2024, New York City’s subway system has seen an alarming rise, with at least 10 murders reported, according to the New York Post. This troubling statistic represents a grim milestone, marking a 25-year high that was previously established in 2022. Throughout the year, the subway system has witnessed a series of violent incidents, including beatings, slashings, and intentional burnings, raising significant concerns about passenger safety and the overall security of public transport.

Understanding NYC’s Subway Violence: Historical Context of Subway Killings

Data from VitalCityNYC.org reveals a disturbing trend in subway violence, indicating that at least one killing has occurred on the New York subways annually since 1997. Over these years, the total number of subway murders has exceeded 80, underscoring a persistent issue that demands attention from city officials and law enforcement. The consistent presence of violence in the subway system calls for comprehensive strategies to enhance safety and restore public confidence in the transit system.