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December 31, 2024
Toms River Woman Burned to Death
in Horrific Subway Attack
The woman who was burned alive in a subway car last week has been identified as a 61 year-old woman from Toms River, New Jersey.
Authorities have confirmed to Fox News Digital that the victim has been identified as Debrina Kawam, a resident of Toms River, a township situated along the Jersey Shore in Ocean County.
Tragically, Kawam was set on fire and perished on a subway train in Brooklyn, New York, on December 22.
Sebastian Zapeta, 33, an
immigrant from Guatemala who had previously been deported, has been charged with one count of first-degree murder, three counts of second-degree murder, and one count of arson in connection with this devastating incident.
According to police reports, Kawam was set ablaze while presumably asleep on a stationary train at the Stillwell Avenue subway station on December 22. The extent of her injuries was so severe that authorities indicated they would likely rely on dental records for identification purposes.
Authorities report that Zapeta is accused of igniting the woman's clothing with a lighter and subsequently using a shirt to fan the flames, resulting in her being engulfed in fire. Following this, he reportedly seated himself on a platform bench and observed as she burned, as stated by prosecutors.
After the NYPD disseminated surveillance images of the suspect, a group of teenagers contacted 911 to report the 33-year-old man upon recognizing him in the subway, according to officials.
Prosecutors indicated that Zapeta acknowledged his identity in the photographs and surveillance footage from the incident after his arrest. He allegedly informed investigators that he was unaware of the events that transpired due to his excessive alcohol consumption.
Sebastin Zapeta, 33, has been charged with first- and second-degree murder, as well as first-degree arson according to Foxnews.
He is presently detained at Rikers Island, awaiting the unsealing of his indictment scheduled for January 7.
