Crime
Brooklyn Subway Homicide Victim Identified as 57-Year-Old Debrina Kawam
Authorities have identified the homeless woman tragically set on fire at a Brooklyn subway station as 57-year-old Debrina Kawam of Toms River, New Jersey. The horrifying incident occurred on December 22, when Kawam was attacked while sleeping on an F train at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station.
The attack happened around 7:30 a.m. at the end of the F train line. Kawam, who had been sleeping with a blanket wrapped around her, was doused with a flammable substance and set ablaze. Surveillance footage captured the suspect, later identified as Sebastian Zapeta Calil, sitting on a platform bench and watching the flames before fleeing the scene.
The New York City Office of the Medical Examiner determined Kawam’s death was a homicide caused by thermal injuries and smoke inhalation. Her body was so severely burned that identification required significant effort from investigators.
Sebastian Zapeta Calil, 33, an undocumented migrant, has been arrested and indicted on charges of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and arson. Prosecutors allege that Zapeta-Calil calmly approached Kawam and used a lighter to ignite her clothing and blanket.
The heinous nature of the crime has sent shockwaves through the city and nation. Mayor Eric Adams addressed the incident, expressing condolences to Kawam’s family.
“She had a brief stint in our homeless shelter system, and your heart goes out to the family,” Adams said. “This was a horrific incident to have to live through.”
The attack has reignited concerns about the safety of vulnerable individuals in New York City’s public spaces, particularly those experiencing homelessness. Advocates are calling for increased security measures in subway stations and more comprehensive support for unhoused individuals.
If convicted, Zapeta Calil faces a life sentence for his crimes.
The investigation remains active, and authorities are seeking additional details surrounding the circumstances of the crime. Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact the NYPD.
Crime
Security guard Yahaira Melendez charged with murder after shooting inside IHOP restaurant in Center City Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA, PA — A security guard has been arrested and charged with murder following a fatal shooting at a Center City IHOP over the weekend that left a 43-year-old man dead.
The incident occurred shortly after 11 p.m. on Saturday at the IHOP located in the 1300 block of Walnut Street, according to the Philadelphia Police Department.
When officers arrived, they discovered a man suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. The victim, who police say was unhoused, was transported to Jefferson Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
Investigators report that the victim had been causing a disturbance inside the restaurant prior to the shooting. As security personnel escorted him outside, he allegedly turned and spat on one of the guards.
That guard, identified as 38-year-old Yahaira Melendez, allegedly responded by drawing her firearm and shooting the victim once in the head.
Police say preliminary findings indicate the victim was not armed at the time of the incident.
Melendez, a mother of three, was taken into custody and has been charged with murder and related offenses.
In a statement Melendez’s family expressed shock and disbelief over the situation, writing in part:
“We are shocked and devastated by the tragic events that occurred at the IHOP while she was working security. We know she would never harm anyone unless she felt she had no other choice to protect herself or others.”
The shooting has left nearby workers and residents shaken.
“Escalation — where was the escalation?” asked Karr Anderson, who works next door to the restaurant. “Security guards need to know how to withhold, how to show restraint.”
Philadelphia Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including whether proper security protocols were followed and what led to the use of deadly force.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased pending family notification.