Summary:
Sebastian Zapeta-Calil pleaded not guilty to murder and arson charges.
Zapeta-Calil is accused of setting Debrina Kawam on fire while she slept on a NYC subway train.
The incident occurred at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station in Brooklyn on December 22nd.
Kawam, 57, was a former Montclair State University student and Merck employee.
A memorial service for Kawam is planned for January 12th.
NYC Subway Burning Death: Suspect Pleads Not Guilty
A man accused of setting a homeless woman on fire on a NYC subway train pleaded not guilty to murder and arson charges. Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, an undocumented migrant from Guatemala, faces first- and second-degree murder charges for the death of Debrina Kawam, 57.
<img src="https://i.abcnewsfe.com/a/c041c0bd-c5ad-4ec1-b08f-44720b114607/sebastian-zapeta-4-ap-bb-250107_1736267487980_hpEmbed_2x3.jpg" alt="Sebastian Zapeta-Calil in court">The horrific incident occurred on December 22nd at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station in Brooklyn. Kawam, a former Montclair State University student who previously worked at Merck, was asleep on an F train when she was attacked. Zapeta-Calil allegedly remained at the scene to watch her burn.
Kawam's brother attended the court proceedings, and plans are underway for a memorial service on January 12th at First Baptist Church in Sheepshead Bay.
This tragedy highlights ongoing concerns about safety on the NYC subway system. The case is still developing, and further updates are expected.
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