NJ WOMAN FATALLY SET ON FIRE ON NYC SUBWAY; SUSPECT INDICTED FOR MURDER

NJ WOMAN FATALLY SET ON FIRE ON NYC SUBWAY; SUSPECT INDICTED FOR MURDER

A 57-year-old woman from Toms River, New Jersey, who was fatally set on fire in a New York City subway has been identified as Debrina Kawam, police confirmed Tuesday.

Kawam was asleep on an idle F train at Brooklyn’s Stillwell Avenue station on Dec. 22 around 7:30 a.m. when a man set her on fire and fled, according to the NYPD. A vigil was held for her on Thursday.

Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, 33, a Guatemalan citizen, was arrested the same day after being captured on police body camera footage. Subway riders later recognized him and called 911, leading to his arrest.

Zapeta-Calil was indicted Friday on four counts of murder and one count of arson, including charges of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and first-degree arson, the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office announced.

GET PERSONALIZED ROUNDUP OF OUR BEST STORIES IN YOUR INBOX.

Stay up to date with our weekly Newsletter.

Looks good!
Email is required.
By signing up to the our newsletter you agree to receive electronic communications from JERSEY TALKS that may sometimes include advertisements or sponsored content.