Wed Jan 01 04:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Woman Burned Alive on Brooklyn Subway Identified; Suspect Charged with Murder
**NEW YORK, NY** – Debrina Kawam, 57, of Toms River, New Jersey, has been identified as the victim of a horrific attack on a Brooklyn F train last week. Ms. Kawam was set on fire and burned alive, an act captured on video that shocked the city. Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, 33, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder and arson in connection with the incident.
The identification, confirmed Monday through fingerprint analysis, came after investigators used various methods including DNA evidence and subway surveillance footage to determine the victim’s identity. Police initially reported Ms. Kawam’s age as 61.
Mayor Eric Adams addressed the tragedy at a City Hall press conference, stating that while Ms. Kawam had briefly utilized the city’s homeless shelter system, the attack was unacceptable regardless of her circumstances. He described the video of the attack as deeply disturbing.
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez previously noted the challenges investigators faced in identifying the severely burned victim. Limited information suggests Ms. Kawam had a troubled past. The investigation continues.
First Piper 