Illegal Immigrant Charged with Murder and Arson of Homeless Woman Pleads Not Guilty

Preview

Sebastian Zapeta, a 33-year-old Guatemalan citizen who entered the United States illegally after being deported in 2018, has been charged with the murder and arson of Debrina Kawam, a 57-year-old homeless woman. The incident occurred on December 22, 2024, on a stopped F train at the Coney Island station in Brooklyn. Zapeta allegedly set Kawam on fire and then fanned the flames with a shirt before sitting on a platform bench and watching her burn to death.

Preview

Preview

Preview

Zapeta was arraigned on multiple counts of murder and an arson charge in Brooklyn court. He pleaded not guilty to the charges. The top charge carries a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole. Police identified the victim as Debrina Kawam, originally from Toms River, New Jersey, who was sleeping on the subway train at the time of the attack.

Despite the horrific nature of the crime, Zapeta claimed he drinks a lot of alcohol and did not recall what happened. The case has drawn significant media attention and has been a focal point in discussions about crime and public safety in New York City's subway system.