Woman burned to death in horrific subway attack identified: police

A 61-year-old woman from New Jersey, Debrina Kawam, was tragically burned alive in a subway car in Brooklyn, New York, last week, according to authorities.

Kawam, who resided in Toms River, a town along the Jersey Shore in Ocean County, was the victim of this horrifying incident.

Authorities have charged Sebastian Zapeta, a 33-year-old immigrant from Guatemala who had previously been deported, with one count of first-degree murder, three counts of second-degree murder, and one count of arson in connection to the crime.

This is a breaking news story, check back for updates. 

Sebastian Zapeta appears in a NYC courtroom

Sebastian Zapeta, accused of setting a woman on fire inside a New York City subway train, appears in court, Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Curtis Means via Pool)

You May Also Like
Jeopardy Liam Starnes: University of Chicago student and Barrington High School alum blows away game show competition

Liam Starnes from University of Chicago and Barrington High School impresses everyone on Jeopardy with his skills

CHICAGO (WLS) — Liam Starnes of Barrington has been enjoying a winning…
Tutor Christina Formella charged for sexually abusing teen student at Downers Grove South HS, police say

Man faces aggravated assault charges for attempting to set co-worker on fire using Lysol flamethrower in Tomball, Texas

A man in Tomball, Texas, has been arrested for trying to set…
New FBI Chicago Field Office Special Agent in Charge Doug DePodesta says he returned home to help keep city safe | ABC7 EXCLUSIVE

Exclusive: New Head of FBI Chicago Office, Doug DePodesta, Returns Home to Ensure City’s Safety

CHICAGO (WLS) — There’s a new special agent in charge of the…
'Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back' turns 45 and celebrates at the TCM Classic Film Festival.

Celebrating 45 Years of ‘Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back’ at the TCM Classic Film Festival

LOS ANGELES — “I am your father.” Those four words from Darth…
Trump’s goodwill tested as Putin ignores peace efforts during Witkoff's visit

Putin’s disregard for peace efforts poses a challenge to Trump during Witkoff’s visit

President Donald Trump’s patience is being tested by Russian President Vladimir Putin,…
James Robinson, Angel Contreras charged in attempted murder of off-duty Chicago officer in 2024 Morgan Park shootout, police say

Angel Contreras and James Robinson accused of attempted murder of an off-duty Chicago officer during a shootout in Morgan Park in 2024, according to law enforcement officers.

CHICAGO (WLS) — Two men have been charged after an attempted robbery…
Coequal Branches? It’s Time for Trump to Stick It to the Judiciary

Is it Time for Trump to Challenge the Judiciary as Equal Branches of Government?

I’m not talking about packing the court or lawlessness across the country,…
Bain, member of K-pop group Just B, comes out as gay on final stop of band's world tour

Bain from the K-pop group Just B reveals he is gay at the last show of the band’s global tour

Bain, a 23-year-old member of the K-pop boy band Just B, came…
Democrat-run Los Angeles failing wildfire victims’ rebuilding plans months after Trump visit: GOP rep

GOP Representative says Los Angeles, managed by Democrats, is struggling to help victims rebuild after wildfires despite Trump’s visit earlier this year.

Months after the devastating wildfires caused widespread destruction in Southern California, thousands…
Donald Trump pardons glamorous gun-toting Nevada Republican convicted of using funds raised to honor a slain officer for plastic surgery

Donald Trump granted clemency to a Nevada Republican who misused charity funds for personal use.

Michele Fiore, a Nevada Republican figure, was pardoned by President Donald Trump…
Luigi Mangione heads to federal court as DOJ debuts death penalty 'shift': ex-federal prosecutor

Luigi Mangione Appears in Federal Court as Department of Justice Changes Stance on Death Penalty: Former Federal Prosecutor

Luigi Mangione is set to appear in federal court on Friday afternoon…
How 17-year-old Logan Hall contributed his graphic design skills to new ABC News Studios documentary

“Teen Graphic Designer Logan Hall Contributes Expertise to ABC News Studios Documentary”

NEW YORK — A new documentary by ABC News Studios, “Unleashing Hope,”…