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
Angela Johnson and Her Son DeAngelo Johnson Killed After Shooting Inside Home in Chicago, Mother’s Boyfriend in Custody
CHICAGO — A 47-year-old mother and her 27-year-old son were fatally shot inside a residence in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood on the West Side late Thursday night, September 24, 2026, according to Chicago police.
The victims were identified as Angela Johnson, 47, and DeAngelo Johnson, 27. Police said a suspect, identified as Angela Johnson’s boyfriend, was taken into custody following the shooting.
The deadly shooting happened in the 800 block of North Parkside Avenue at approximately 10:43 p.m. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots coming from the basement of the residence and called 911.
When Chicago police officers arrived, they found the two victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Angela Johnson was found in the basement with a gunshot wound to her chest. Police-radio traffic indicated she had been shot on the right side of her chest.
DeAngelo Johnson was found on the first floor with multiple gunshot wounds. Radio traffic indicated that he had suffered two gunshot wounds to his back.
Both victims were initially unresponsive and in critical condition. Emergency personnel performed CPR on DeAngelo Johnson before both victims were transported to Mount Sinai Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
According to police-radio traffic, one victim was pronounced dead at approximately 11:18 p.m., while the male victim was pronounced dead around 11:21 p.m.
Investigators found extensive evidence inside the residence, including approximately 23 shell casings in a basement bedroom. Additional shell casings were reportedly recovered in other areas of the basement, including the stairway, main room and bedroom.
Officers initially recovered a firearm and shell casings from the basement bedroom. Police later located a second firearm inside the home, bringing the total number of recovered firearms to two.
Authorities have not publicly stated who owned the firearms or confirmed which weapon, if either, was used in the fatal shooting.
Police also reported that DeAngelo Johnson was wearing an empty holster when officers found him on the first floor. That discovery prompted an officer-safety alert as officers searched the residence for the missing firearm.
Chicago police said the shooting appeared to be domestic-related and identified the alleged offender as the mother’s boyfriend.
Radio traffic indicated that a person had been detained by approximately 11:26 p.m. The official police report later confirmed that the known offender was taken into custody.
Two witnesses were reportedly available to identify the alleged offender, and officers conducted a show-up identification procedure near the scene.
Police have not released additional information about potential charges against the suspect.
The investigation into the Chicago Austin neighborhood double shooting remains ongoing. Detectives are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the shooting, the relationship between the people involved and the role of the two recovered firearms.
The deaths of Angela Johnson and DeAngelo Johnson are being investigated as a double homicide.