Who Was Debrina Kawam and Why Did This Happen?

Debrina Kawam, a 57-year-old woman from Toms River, New Jersey, was recently identified as the victim of a horrific crime in New York City. She was set on fire while sleeping in a subway car at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station in Brooklyn. This tragic event has sparked conversations about safety in the city and the treatment of its homeless population. The New York Police Department took nine days to identify Kawam, using forensics and video surveillance. Mayor Eric Adams revealed that Kawam had previously been in the city's homeless shelter system, and authorities had notified her family. The suspected attacker, Sebastián Zapeta, a Guatemalan immigrant, was arrested hours after the incident. He is charged with first-degree murder, three counts of second-degree murder, and first-degree arson. Zapeta allegedly used a lighter to set Kawam on fire and then fanned the flames with his shirt. He did not appear to know the victim. Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez expressed confidence in the evidence and the ability to hold Zapeta accountable. Mayor Adams has called for additional federal charges. The difficulty in identifying Kawam highlights the lack of interaction and empathy for the city's homeless. Dave Giffen, director of the Coalition for the Homeless, emphasized the need for humanity and understanding towards this vulnerable population.