A horrifying incident on a Brooklyn subway has sparked shock and outrage. An illegal migrant, heavily intoxicated at the time, was caught on video committing an unimaginable crime—setting a woman on fire while she slept.
The accused, Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, later admitted to the crime but claimed he couldn’t remember the events due to his drunken state. Here’s a detailed look at the case, its developments, and key takeaways.
The Incident: What Happened?
On December 22, an unspeakable act of violence unfolded on an F train in Brooklyn, New York. Debrina Kawam, a 57-year-old woman from Toms River, NJ, was asleep on the subway when she was horrifically attacked.
Surveillance footage captured Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, a 33-year-old migrant from Guatemala, lighting her on fire and then watching as she burned.
The Shocking Revelation
When police confronted Zapeta-Calil with video evidence of the crime, he was stunned. “Oh damn, that’s me!”
he reportedly exclaimed during his interrogation. Despite his reaction, he maintained that he could not recall the incident due to his intoxicated state.
The Migrant’s Background
Zapeta-Calil entered the U.S. illegally five years ago. Initially turned away at the border in 2018, he managed to re-enter the country, eventually residing with relatives and later in a New York City shelter.
He worked as a roofer and had a history of heavy drinking, which he admitted often left him with memory blackouts.
Events Leading to the Crime
On the night before the attack, Zapeta-Calil reportedly consumed large amounts of alcohol, including beer and tequila, at a Queens bar.
He continued drinking through the night, eventually boarding the F train early in the morning. He claimed to have no memory of boarding the train or setting the fire that claimed Kawam’s life.
Legal Proceedings and Reactions
Zapeta-Calil was arrested later that day near Columbus Circle and charged with murder and arson. In court, his lawyer requested medical supervision, citing his mental and physical state.
Despite pleading not guilty, Zapeta-Calil expressed remorse during his interrogation, saying, “I am very sorry. I did not mean to.”
FAQs
1. Who was the victim in this case?
The victim was Debrina Kawam, a 57-year-old woman from Toms River, NJ. She was asleep on the subway when the attack occurred.
2. What charges is Sebastian Zapeta-Calil facing?
Zapeta-Calil is facing charges of murder and arson. He is being held without bail and is due back in court in March.
3. What was Zapeta-Calil’s reaction to seeing the video evidence?
He was shocked and exclaimed, “Oh damn, that’s me!” He also expressed remorse but claimed he could not remember the incident due to being heavily intoxicated.
4. What is known about Zapeta-Calil’s background?
Zapeta-Calil is a 33-year-old Guatemalan migrant who entered the U.S. illegally in 2018. He worked as a roofer and lived with relatives before entering the New York City shelter system.
5. What legal steps have been taken so far?
Zapeta-Calil has been arraigned on murder and arson charges. His lawyer has requested medical supervision while he remains in custody.
