New York Man Charged with Murder and Arson for Allegedly Setting Woman on Fire on Subway
A 33-year-old man from Guatemala, Sebastian Zapeta, has been accused of setting a woman on fire on a Brooklyn subway car and watching her burn to death. The shocking incident has sent shockwaves through the community, and Zapeta has now been charged with murder and arson.
According to reports, Zapeta allegedly entered the United States illegally in 2018. He was deported and returned to the country at an unknown time. On December 22, 2024, he allegedly set the 57-year-old woman, Debrina Kawam, on fire while she was sleeping on a subway bench in Brooklyn’s Coney Island.
The motive behind the heinous crime is still unclear, but authorities believe that the woman had fallen asleep on the F train, parked at the Stillwell Avenue station, and was woken up by the suspect, who poured accelerant on her, set her on fire, and watched as she burned. The suspect was arrested after three teenagers riding another subway train recognized him from a wanted poster and called 911.
The suspect appeared in court on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, and pleaded not guilty to the charges, which include one count of first-degree murder, three counts of second-degree murder, and arson. His lawyer requested that his client receive medical attention, but no further details were provided.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams, a former New York City police chief, said that the surveillance footage of the attack was so disturbing that he couldn’t watch it. He expressed his condolences to the victim’s family and praised the bravery of the police and the city’s emergency responders.
The incident has sparked outrage and calls for action to address the issue of illegal immigration and the safety of New York City’s subway system. As the city grapples with the aftermath of the attack, many are left wondering how this could have happened and what can be done to prevent such horrific crimes in the future.
FAQs:
* What is the motive behind the attack?
The motive behind the attack is still unclear, but authorities believe that the woman had fallen asleep on the F train, parked at the Stillwell Avenue station, and was woken up by the suspect, who poured accelerant on her, set her on fire, and watched as she burned.
* Who is Sebastian Zapeta?
Sebastian Zapeta is the 33-year-old man accused of setting a woman on fire on a Brooklyn subway car and watching her burn to death.
* What are the charges against Zapeta?
Zapeta has been charged with one count of first-degree murder, three counts of second-degree murder, and arson.
* What is the punishment for these crimes?
If convicted, Zapeta faces up to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Conclusion:
The case of Sebastian Zapeta has sent shockwaves through the city, and it is a grim reminder of the dangers of illegal immigration and the importance of addressing the issue of crime in New York City’s subway system. As the city works to ensure the safety of its citizens, this horrific incident will be a painful reminder of the importance of keeping our city safe and secure.
