Alleged NYC subway killer Sebastian Zapeta enters not guilty plea to burning sleeping woman to death

NEW YORK On Tuesday, a man entered a not guilty plea to the murder of a sleeping woman by burning her aboard a subway train in New York City.

In an orange jumpsuit and orange jacket, Sebastian Zapeta, 33, showed up in Brooklyn court with his wrists tied behind his back to be charged with murder and arson in connection with the death of Debrina Kawam, 57.

According to the prosecution, on December 22, Zapeta set the New Jersey native ablaze aboard a stopped F train at Brooklyn’s Coney Island station. They claim that after using a shirt to fan the flames, Zapeta sat on a platform bench and observed Kawam burn.

Zapeta admitted to police that he was the individual in the CCTV images and recordings of the fire, according to the prosecution, but he claimed to be heavily intoxicated and to have forgotten what had happened.

On Tuesday, December 24, 2024, Sebastian Zapeta, who is charged with setting a lady on fire aboard a New York City subway train, shows up in court in New York. (Curtis Means via Pool/AP Photo)AP

Zapeta, a Guatemalan national who was deported in 2018 and is accused of illegally entering the country, faces a potential sentence of life in prison without the possibility of release for the murder accusation.

Less than five minutes passed during the court hearing. A Spanish interpreter murmured in Zapeta’s ear as he rose up, his eyes on the ground. March 12 is the date of his upcoming court appearance.

Although he was previously arraigned on a criminal complaint, unless the defendant waives the requirement, all felony cases in New York must have a grand jury indictment before they can go to trial.

In late December, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez’s office prosecutors announced Zapeta’s indictment.

An email requesting response on Monday night was not answered by Zapeta’s attorney.

Even though subway violence is still comparatively uncommon, the murder has reignited debate about safety in the country’s biggest mass transit system.

According to data issued by police Monday, transit crime has decreased for the second consecutive year, falling 5.4% last year compared to 2023. The citywide major crime rate has also decreased by 3%.

Nevertheless, during a news conference on Monday to discuss the figures, New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated that riders just don’t feel safe.

In response, she stated that the department will deploy additional officers onto subway platforms in the city’s 50 most-crime stations and surge more than 200 officers onto subway trains.

According to Tisch, 78% of transit-related crimes take place on trains and platforms, therefore it is apparent that our cops should be there. This is only the start.

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