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.
MONROE TOWNSHIP, Mich. โ A 27-year-old Monroe Township man has been charged in connection with the death of 15-year-old Trenton Grant and the serious injuries suffered by the teenagerโs mother and stepfather following a violent stabbing incident in Monroe Township, Michigan.
Tyson Alexander Grant faces six criminal charges stemming from an incident reported during the early morning hours of Saturday, October 17, in the 1200 block of Raintree Boulevard, according to Monroe County Prosecuting Attorney Jeffery A. Yorkey.
The charges include open murder, two counts of assault with intent to murder, two counts of carjacking, and one count of assaulting, resisting or obstructing a police officer or other first responder.
According to the prosecutorโs office, each of the first five charges carries a maximum possible penalty of life in prison. The charge of assaulting, resisting or obstructing a police officer or first responder carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and/or a $2,000 fine.
Authorities were dispatched to the Raintree Boulevard area on October 17 after receiving a report of a stabbing.
Upon arriving at the scene, deputies discovered multiple people suffering from lacerations and stab wounds. They also found the body of 15-year-old Trenton Grant.
Several people were transported to a hospital for treatment. Investigators subsequently began treating the teenagerโs death as a homicide.
The incident prompted a criminal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal stabbing and the injuries sustained by the other victims.
Prosecutors have not publicly disclosed the nature of the relationship, if any, between Tyson Alexander Grant and the victims.
According to the Monroe County Prosecuting Attorneyโs Office, Tyson Alexander Grant is currently hospitalized in Lucas County, Ohio, with injuries stemming from the incident.
Prosecutors intend to seek his extradition to Monroe County after he is discharged from the hospital so the criminal proceedings can move forward.
As of the latest information provided by prosecutors, a date for Grantโs initial court appearance has not been scheduled.
The six charges reflect the allegations filed against Grant. The case remains subject to the judicial process, and the allegations have not yet been proven in court.
Authorities have not provided additional details about the events leading up to the stabbing or the circumstances surrounding the suspectโs injuries.
The investigation and court proceedings are expected to provide further information as the case develops.