The New York Police Department disclosed on Tuesday that they’ve identified the woman who tragically lost her life in a devastating incident on Dec. 22. This event involved a woman being set alight whilst onboard a New York subway train, and has since stirred widespread distress. The victim has been revealed as a 57-year-old resident of New Jersey, known as Debrina Kawam.
According to what has been shared by the NYPD, Kawam was residing in Toms River, New Jersey. Circumstances and related complexities compelled authorities to rely on specialized investigative techniques including forensic methods and extensive video surveillance to determine the victim’s identity.
The gruesome incident, where the victim was consumed by flames on a subway car in Brooklyn, sparked intense debate and triggered profound sadness among the public. Further details brought to light that the event unfolded at the hands of a man identified as Sebastian Zapeta.
In a rapid response, the police apprehended Zapeta within hours of releasing images that showed an individual believed to be a suspect. Zapeta has been indicted on charges including murder and arson and is currently enduring his pre-trial phase while detained in prison.
According to the federal immigration department, Zapeta, a 33-year-old man, is a native of Guatemala. In their report, they suggested that Zapeta had entered the U.S. illegally, adding another layer of complexity to the investigation.
On Tuesday, New York City’s Mayor, Eric Adams, delivered a statement regarding Kawam’s situation prior to the gruesome incident. He shared that Kawam had a minimal engagements with the city’s homeless shelter system.
Addressing the community at large during an unrelated press briefing, Mayor Adams expressed deep empathy towards the family enduring the loss of Kawam. The mayor acknowledged the tragedy and the emotional toll it takes on relatives.
Adams did not delve into specifics regarding when Kawam had interacted with the homeless shelter system, maintaining focus on the seriousness of the death. He reiterated his condolences to the family, calling the incident horrific and emphasizing the difficulty of living through such a traumatic event.
Adams also touched upon the ripple effects of this incident among New Yorkers. He noted the marked impact and observable change in emotions among city residents resulting from this case.
Moreover, Mayor Adams used this incident to reiterate a vital message previously vocalized on other occasions. He emphasized that nobody should be living in the subway system, suggesting these spaces are not designed for habitation and can potentially pose danger.
In accordance with Adams’ perspective, spaces like subway systems should not stand as dwellings for individuals. Instead, such people should be accommodated in places where professional care is available.
The mayor, deeply moved by the tragic incident, reiterated that it should not matter where Kawam resided. The fact that such a horrific incident could occur was deeply concerning and raised questions about the safety of public spaces.
Mayor Adams stressed that the safety of New York residents remained paramount. The occurrence of such incidents posed a significant threat to public sentiment, he argued.