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BROOKLYN (CN) — Sebastian Zapeta, the man accused of killing a homeless woman by setting her on fire on a Coney Island-bound subway train, pleaded not guilty Tuesday to murder and arson charges.
Prosecutors say Zapeta, a 33-year-old undocumented migrant from Guatemala, set Debrina Kawam on fire while she was sleeping on an F train nearing the Stillwell Avenue station in Brooklyn. After he used a lighter to ignite Kawam’s clothes, officials say Zapeta sat across the subway car and watched her burn.
Kawam died at the scene of thermal injuries and smoke inhalation.
Zapeta was indicted by a grand jury last month on one count of first-degree murder, two counts of second-degree murder and arson in the first degree.
Surveillance video released by the police after the attack, which appeared to show Zapeta sitting on a bench across the subway car from Kawam, was instrumental to bringing the indictment against him. According to Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, the grand jurors who brought forth the indictment saw video evidence, including disturbing images of Kawam on fire.
Kawam was identified as the victim of the fatal burning last week. The 57-year-old resided in Toms River, New Jersey, and spent some time in New York’s homeless shelter system.
Assistant District Attorney Matthew Perry amended the indictment Tuesday to include her name.
A memorial service is being held for Kawam on Jan. 12 at First Baptist Church in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn.
“These are significant counts. Murder in the first degree carries the possibility of life without parole, the most serious statute in New York state law,” Gonzalez said when the indictment was announced. “My office is very confident about the evidence in this case and our ability to hold Zapeta accountable for his dastardly deeds.”
Zapeta is expected to appear for a hearing on the sufficiency of the grand jury evidence on March 12. He was remanded into custody Tuesday and has not yet entered a bail application.
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