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
24-Year-Old Jose Alfredo Soto Navarrete Jr Dies in Fatal Jeep Incident in Midland, Christian Rojelio Zubia Arrested
MIDLAND, Texas — Jose Alfredo Soto Navarrete Jr., a 24-year-old man from Odessa, died after an incident involving a Jeep Wrangler in Midland on Thursday night, October 8, 2026. The driver, a 30-year-old Odessa man, was later arrested and charged with manslaughter, according to the Midland Police Department.
Police said officers responded at approximately 10:46 p.m. Thursday to a reported crash involving a 2018 Jeep Wrangler and a pedestrian in the 1700 block of Rankin Highway.
During the preliminary investigation, witnesses told authorities that Soto Navarrete had jumped onto the hood of a black Jeep Wrangler. Investigators allege that the driver accelerated while turning southbound, causing Soto Navarrete to fall from the vehicle and sustain fatal injuries.
Authorities identified the driver as Christian Rojelio Zubia, 30, of Odessa.
According to police, Zubia left the scene after the incident. Officers later located him with assistance from the Odessa Police Department.
Zubia was arrested and charged with manslaughter in connection with Soto Navarrete’s death. The charge is an allegation, and the case will proceed through the legal system.
The Midland Police Department is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident, including the events leading up to Soto Navarrete’s fall from the Jeep.
Authorities have not released further details about what prompted the encounter or whether additional charges may be considered.
Police confirmed that Soto Navarrete’s next of kin has been notified of his death.
Soto Navarrete’s death has left his family and loved ones grieving. His passing serves as a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly a dangerous incident can result in a fatal outcome.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information may be released as authorities continue reviewing the case.