NYC Subway Horror: Man Pleads Not Guilty to Burning Woman to Death

Sebastian Zapeta, 33, pleaded not guilty to murder and arson charges in the death of 57-year-old Debrina Kawam. Kawam was tragically set on fire on a stopped F train at Coney Island station on December 22nd.

<img src="https://images.foxtv.com/static.fox5ny.com/www.fox5ny.com/content/uploads/2025/01/932/524/view-recent-photos.jpg?ve=1&tl=1" alt="Photo of Debrina Kawam">

Prosecutors allege Zapeta lit Kawam on fire while she was sleeping, then fanned the flames before watching her burn. Zapeta admitted to being the man in surveillance footage but claimed he doesn't remember due to alcohol consumption.

<img src="https://images.foxtv.com/static.fox5ny.com/www.fox5ny.com/content/uploads/2024/12/932/524/suspect-pool.jpg?ve=1&tl=1" alt="Photo of Sebastian Zapeta">

Zapeta, a Guatemalan citizen who re-entered the US illegally after deportation, faces life in prison without parole. The case highlights ongoing concerns about NYC subway safety, despite official reports showing a decrease in transit crime.

Subway Crime: A City's Ongoing Struggle

While overall transit crime is down 5.4% year-over-year, NYC Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch acknowledges that riders still feel unsafe. In response, over 200 additional officers will patrol trains and platforms in high-crime areas.

"We know that 78% of transit crime occurs on trains and on platforms," Tisch stated, emphasizing the need for increased police presence. This incident underscores the complex issues surrounding safety and security within the city's subway system.