Summary:
Sebastian Zapeta faces charges of murder and arson for setting a woman on fire in a NYC subway.
The victim, Debrina Kawam (57), died at the scene despite police intervention.
Video footage has led to questions regarding the police response to the incident.
Zapeta, a Guatemalan national, was living illegally in the US and staying at a homeless shelter.
The motive for the attack remains unknown.
NYC Subway Arson Suspect to Appear in Court
Sebastian Zapeta, accused of setting a sleeping woman on fire in a Brooklyn subway station, will make his first court appearance. He faces charges of murder and arson after the incident on December 22nd.
The Horrific Incident
Zapeta allegedly ignited the woman's clothing, fanned the flames with his shirt, and then calmly sat nearby. Responding officers arrived to find the woman engulfed in flames; despite their efforts, she died at the scene. The victim, identified as 57-year-old Debrina Kawam, had previously spent time in the city's homeless shelter system.
Questions Regarding Police Response
Video footage of the incident has sparked debate about the police response, with some questioning whether officers could have acted more swiftly. Police claim one officer was managing the crime scene while others sought fire extinguishers and MTA assistance. Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated Kawam was “fully engulfed in a matter of seconds.”
<br>Suspect's Background and Charges
Zapeta, a 33-year-old Guatemalan national, was living in the US illegally after deportation in 2018. He was staying in a Brooklyn homeless shelter at the time of the attack. The indictment includes charges of first-degree murder (with a potential life sentence without parole), as well as second-degree murder and arson. The motive remains unclear.
<br>Arrest and Indictment
Zapeta was apprehended hours after the incident thanks to the sharp observation of some teenagers who recognized him on the subway and immediately reported it to the authorities. He waived his right to appear at an earlier hearing.
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