SA News Zone – Tragedy struck New York City’s subway system when a 57-year-old woman from New Jersey was set ablaze in a horrific attack earlier this month. Authorities confirmed the victim as Debrina Kawam, a recent New York City resident with a tumultuous life journey.
Kawam, who previously worked for pharmaceutical giant Merck between 2000 and 2002, faced significant challenges in later years. Recently, she had stayed briefly in a New York City homeless shelter, according to the Department of Social Services, though no specific timeline was provided.
The NYPD reported that Kawam had a last known address in Toms River, New Jersey. Officials notified her family following her tragic death on December 22. Efforts to contact her relatives for comments were unsuccessful as of Tuesday.
“Our thoughts are with her family during this unimaginable time,” stated Mayor Eric Adams at a press briefing, adding that the incident highlights ongoing concerns about safety in the city’s subway system.
An Unfolding Crisis on Public Transit
Hours after Kawam’s death was publicized, another violent act shook the subway network. A 45-year-old man was pushed onto the tracks in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood, narrowly escaping death. He remains in critical condition, and authorities have detained a person of interest.
Despite overall crime statistics showing a decline in major offenses on subways this year through November, homicides have risen—climbing from five last year to nine in 2023. Public apprehension continues to grow as these violent incidents highlight vulnerabilities in the transit system, which serves over a billion passengers annually.
The Attack on Debrina Kawam
Kawam’s tragic death unfolded on a Brooklyn-bound subway train at Coney Island. Authorities allege that a 33-year-old man, Sebastian Zapeta, set her clothing on fire as she slept. Zapeta reportedly intensified the flames using a shirt before calmly sitting on a bench to watch the unfolding horror.
Identifying Kawam’s remains proved challenging, and investigators relied on forensic evidence and surveillance footage to confirm her identity. Zapeta has been charged with murder and arson. Currently held in custody, he is scheduled to appear in court on January 7. His defense attorney has not issued a statement.
According to federal immigration officials, Zapeta is a Guatemalan national who entered the United States illegally. His listed address corresponds to a shelter offering housing and substance abuse services. Police apprehended him after releasing surveillance images and receiving a tip from a group of high school students.
Prosecutors allege Zapeta admitted to being the person seen in the footage but claimed heavy alcohol consumption left him with no recollection of the events.
A Broader Issue of Homelessness and Safety
The circumstances surrounding Kawam’s presence on the subway reflect broader systemic issues. With temperatures plummeting to 20°F (-6.5°C) on the night of the attack, many homeless individuals seek refuge on subway trains. While New York City provides a legal right to shelter, some unhoused individuals avoid shelters due to safety concerns or other personal reasons.
“This tragic event underscores the urgent need for greater support and outreach to our most vulnerable populations,” said Mayor Adams. The Department of Social Services has vowed to intensify efforts to connect homeless individuals with shelters and resources.
Debrina Kawam’s death serves as a grim reminder of the dangers faced by those navigating life on the margins, as well as the urgent need for systemic reforms to ensure safety and dignity for all New Yorkers.
