NEW YORK The woman who was burned to death on a F train in Brooklyn has been identified by the NYPD as Debrina Kawam, 57, of Toms River, New Jersey.
According to police, Kawam was set on fire and killed while likely sleeping on a stationary train at the Stillwell Avenue subway station on December 22. Her body was so severely burned that authorities said they would most likely have to use dental records to identify her.
Sebastian Zapeta, 33, was indicted on state charges in Kawam’s death on Friday. He is currently being held on Rikers Island until his indictment is unsealed on January 7.
According to police, Zapeta allegedly used a lighter to set fire to the woman’s clothes and then fanned the flames with a shirt, engulfing her. Prosecutors say he sat on a platform bench and watched her burn.
A group of teenagers called 911 after recognizing Zapeta in surveillance photos released by the NYPD, according to officials.
According to prosecutors, Zapeta identified himself in photos and surveillance video taken at the scene after being arrested. He allegedly told investigators he didn’t know what happened because he had been drinking heavily.
Police released Zapeta’s Brooklyn address after his arrest, which matched a shelter that provides housing and substance abuse support.
“This gruesome and senseless act of violence against a vulnerable woman will be met with the most serious consequences,” Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said last week.