In a shocking and deeply unsettling tragedy that has gripped New York City, authorities have identified the victim of a brutal attack on a Brooklyn subway as 61-year-old Debrina Kawam, a longtime resident of Toms River, New Jersey. Kawam, who had a background in business and marketing and was once affiliated with the pharmaceutical company Lily Phar, was set on fire inside a subway car, resulting in her untimely and horrific death. The attack, which took place on December 22, has left both New York City residents and her New Jersey community reeling.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) confirmed Kawam’s identity following an intensive investigation that relied heavily on forensic evidence, including dental records, and surveillance video from the subway system. The attack occurred on a southbound train on the G line as it approached the Metropolitan Avenue station in Brooklyn, an area bustling with commuters even during the late-night hours. Surveillance footage captured a man, later identified as 33-year-old Sebastian Zapeta, fleeing the scene shortly after the incident. His image was released to the public, which prompted crucial tips leading to his arrest just hours later.
Witnesses to the horrific act described the scene as chaotic and terrifying. One bystander, who was seated in the same subway car, reported that they saw flames suddenly erupt and people scrambling to escape. “It was absolute chaos,” the witness said. “Everyone was screaming and running for the doors. The fire just seemed to engulf everything so fast.” Emergency services responded to the scene within minutes, but for Kawam, it was too late. She was pronounced dead at the scene, her body bearing unmistakable signs of severe burns.
According to investigators, the attack appeared to be unprovoked. Surveillance footage reportedly shows Zapeta pouring a flammable liquid on Kawam before igniting it with a lighter. This deliberate act of violence has shocked both law enforcement and the public, sparking renewed conversations about safety on New York City’s subway system, a transit network that millions rely on daily.
Zapeta, who has no known address but was described by police as having ties to Brooklyn, was arrested on charges of murder and arson. During a preliminary interrogation, Zapeta reportedly displayed erratic behavior, prompting authorities to assess his mental health as part of their investigation. While no clear motive for the attack has yet been established, police are exploring the possibility that the suspect may have been experiencing a mental health crisis or had prior confrontations with the victim. However, early reports suggest that Kawam and Zapeta were strangers.
The attack on Debrina Kawam has cast a grim spotlight on the challenges facing New York City’s subway system, which has long been regarded as a microcosm of the city itself—a place of vibrant diversity but also, at times, a venue for random acts of violence. Public officials, transit authorities, and advocates have expressed outrage and sorrow over the incident, with many calling for heightened security measures to prevent similar tragedies.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams, speaking at a press conference following Zapeta’s arrest, condemned the act as “a heinous and inhumane crime.” Adams pledged that his administration would work tirelessly to ensure the safety of subway riders. “This city has no tolerance for such acts of violence,” he said. “Our thoughts are with Ms. Kawam’s family and loved ones during this unimaginable time of grief. We are committed to bringing justice to her memory.”
The subway system has seen an uptick in violent incidents over the past several years, a trend exacerbated by the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted social norms and strained mental health resources nationwide. While overall crime rates in New York City have fallen in 2024, transit-related crimes have remained a focal point for both public concern and law enforcement efforts. The NYPD has increased its presence on trains and in stations, deploying additional officers and plainclothes units to deter violence and provide immediate response in the event of emergencies.
The tragic death of Kawam has also reignited debates about the intersection of mental health, homelessness, and public safety. Advocacy groups have pointed out that systemic issues, such as a lack of accessible mental health care and inadequate housing options for vulnerable populations, contribute to the instability that sometimes manifests in violent acts. Zapeta’s background is currently under scrutiny, with investigators seeking to understand his mental state and personal circumstances leading up to the attack.
Friends and former colleagues of Kawam have expressed their shock and sadness over her death. Described as a kind and intelligent woman, Kawam had built a successful career in business and marketing and was well-regarded in her community. She had retired several years ago and was enjoying her later years by traveling and spending time with her close-knit circle of friends and family. “She was the type of person who could light up a room,” said one former coworker. “It’s so cruel and senseless that someone like her would be taken in such a violent way.”
Forensic experts are continuing to analyze evidence collected from the crime scene, including the accelerant used in the attack and the lighter reportedly found in Zapeta’s possession at the time of his arrest. Investigators are also reviewing surveillance footage from the subway system to reconstruct the events leading up to the incident and to identify any possible interactions between Kawam and Zapeta before the attack.
As the case moves forward, Kawam’s family has called for privacy as they navigate their grief. In a statement released through their attorney, the family thanked law enforcement and first responders for their swift actions in apprehending the suspect and expressed hope that justice would be served. “We are heartbroken by the loss of Debrina, a loving sister, aunt, and friend,” the statement read. “Her warmth and kindness touched everyone who knew her. We ask for privacy as we mourn her loss and remember the beautiful person she was.”
The incident has also prompted calls for greater public awareness about the risks of random violence and the importance of reporting suspicious behavior. Transit advocacy groups are urging commuters to remain vigilant and to utilize available resources, such as the MTA’s “See Something, Say Something” campaign, to enhance safety on public transit.
While the investigation into Kawam’s death continues, her story serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of collective efforts to address the underlying issues that contribute to senseless acts of violence. As New York City mourns the loss of yet another innocent life, the hope remains that meaningful changes will emerge from this tragedy to ensure that such incidents become a rarity rather than a recurring reality.
