Killing of Debrina Kawam
| Killing of Debrina Kawam | |
|---|---|
Location of the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station relative to New York City Location of the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station relative to New York City | |
| Location | Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station, Brooklyn, New York City |
| Coordinates | 40°34′38″N 73°58′52″W / 40.57722°N 73.98111°W |
| Date | December 22, 2024 c. 7:30 a.m. EST |
Attack type | Targeted immolation |
| Weapon | Lighter |
| Victim | Debrina Kawam |
| Accused | Sebastian Zapeta-Calil |
| Charges |
|
On the morning of December 22, 2024, a woman, later identified as Debrina Kawam (born Debbie Kawam), was immolated by a man while she was sleeping on the New York City Subway while an F train was stopped at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station in Brooklyn. The suspect who set the victim on fire, an illegal immigrant from Guatemala identified as Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, was arrested in connection to the killing.
The immolation was determined to have been a random attack. The incident has led to heightened concerns relating to safety while using transportation in New York City.