A man accused of setting a woman on fire in a New York City subway car last month has pleaded not guilty to murder charges. Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, a 33-year-old undocumented migrant from Guatemala, was indicted on charges of first- and second-degree murder and arson in the killing of 57-year-old Debrina Kawam.
The incident occurred on December 22 on an F train approaching the Coney Island–Stillwell Avenue subway station in Brooklyn. Police allege that Zapeta-Calil calmly walked up to Kawam, who was sleeping, and used a lighter to ignite her clothes and blanket. Kawam died from thermal injuries and smoke inhalation.
The attack has raised concerns about safety on subways and in the city. Surveillance video played a crucial role in identifying the suspect, who was later found on a subway train in Midtown Manhattan. Zapeta-Calil, who had been deported in 2018 and returned to the US illegally, was apprehended with a lighter in his possession.
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez emphasized the seriousness of the charges, stating that murder in the first degree carries the possibility of life without parole. Authorities are confident in the evidence against Zapeta-Calil and are committed to holding him accountable for the crime.
The case has sparked outrage and renewed discussions about public safety in New York City. The tragic incident has left many residents concerned about the prevalence of violence in public spaces and the need for increased security measures.
