NEW YORK — Sebastian Zapeta, 33, pleaded not guilty Tuesday morning to charges of murder and arson in the death of 57-year-old Debrina Kawam, who was set on fire in a New York City subway car. Zapeta, indicted last month, appeared in a Brooklyn court for arraignment and is scheduled for his next court date on March 12. A pastor spoke on behalf of Kawam’s family, announcing a memorial in her honor on Jan. 12 at the First Baptist Church of Sheepshead Bay in Brooklyn.
Prosecutors allege that Zapeta intentionally set Kawam on fire while she slept on an F train at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station on December 22, leading to her death. Zapeta, an undocumented immigrant from Guatemala, had been deported before re-entering the U.S. Authorities state that Zapeta confirmed his identity in surveillance footage but claimed not to remember the incident due to alcohol consumption.
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez described the crime as malicious, emphasizing the severity of the charges, including the potential for life without parole for first-degree murder. In response to recent subway attacks, including a fatal pushing incident and stabbings, the NYPD is increasing patrols, with Mayor Eric Adams and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch announcing the deployment of over 200 officers for specialized train patrols and increased presence in high-crime subway stations.
Commissioner Tisch highlighted challenges faced by law enforcement, including high rates of recidivism and legislative changes impacting crime rates. Governor Kathy Hochul also proposed new legislation to address involuntary commitment standards concerning mental health in the subway system.
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