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 Kawamโs 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 Kawamโs family.
โShe had a brief stint in our homeless shelter system, and your heart goes out to the family,โ Adams said. โThis was a horrific incident to have to live through.โ
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
Celeste Gusman, 66, Dies After Stabbing at Kalihi Business in Honolulu; Police Investigate as Homicide
HONOLULU, Hawaii โ A 66-year-old woman has died following a stabbing at a business in Honoluluโs Kalihi neighborhood, leaving her family, friends, and the local community grieving a tragic loss.
The victim was identified as Celeste Gusman, according to the Honolulu Police Department. Officers responded to a business in the 2300 block of North School Street at approximately 3:20 p.m. Wednesday after receiving a report of a stabbing.
When officers arrived, they found Gusman suffering from a stab wound. Emergency medical personnel quickly began providing advanced lifesaving treatment at the scene before transporting her to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Despite medical efforts, Gusman later succumbed to her injuries.
Authorities also reported that another woman, who is in her 60s, sustained minor injuries during the incident. According to the information released, she was injured in a fall amid the disturbance and was transported to a hospital in stable condition.
No further details about the circumstances surrounding the second womanโs injuries have been provided.
Following the incident, police initially arrested a 23-year-old man on suspicion of second-degree attempted murder. After Gusman died from her injuries, authorities reclassified the case as a murder investigation.
Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the stabbing. Police have not yet released information about what may have triggered the incident or whether the suspect knew Gusman.
The suspect’s arrest and the ongoing investigation do not establish guilt. Further details are expected as authorities continue gathering evidence and determining the events that led to the fatal attack.
The death of Celeste Gusman at 66 has brought sadness to those affected by this incident. A place of business in a familiar neighborhood became the scene of a tragedy, and loved ones are now facing the difficult reality of losing someone important to them.
While many questions remain unanswered, the loss of life has deeply affected the community. Friends, relatives, and neighbors are left remembering Gusman and hoping that the investigation will bring clarity about what happened.
Please keep Celeste Gusmanโs family, friends, and loved ones in your thoughts during this difficult time. The injured woman and everyone affected by the incident also deserve support as they recover.
May Celeste Gusman rest in peace. May her loved ones find comfort, strength, and healing in the days ahead.