Crime archive·All records·Crime data
Debrina Kawam
Murder / arson (alleged)
What happened
On December 22, 2024, Debrina Kawam, 57, was set on fire while sleeping on an F train at Coney Island–Stillwell Avenue. Prosecutors say Zapeta-Calil used a lighter, then fanned the flames with clothing while she burned. The attack was captured on surveillance video and shocked the city; Kawam was identified only after days of forensic work.
Immigration status (as reported)
Guatemalan national; ICE said he entered illegally and had previously been removed from the U.S. in 2018.
Legal outcome
Zapeta-Calil was indicted on first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and first-degree arson. He pleaded not guilty in January 2025 and has been held without bail. Presumption of innocence applies until conviction; if convicted of first-degree murder he faces life without parole.
Pending case
The accused persons are presumed innocent unless and until convicted in a court of law. This page will be updated when the trial concludes.
Sources
How to read source labels
News outlets are tagged with a perceived lean (liberal, conservative, or neutral)—a simplified reading of common media-bias charts, not a verdict on accuracy. Official records (court filings, prosecutor releases, agency statements, legislative text) are listed separately and are not scored as “news,” though governments and prosecutors also have interests.
News coverage
- CNN — arraignment and statements to policePerceived liberal
- ABC News — not-guilty pleaPerceived liberal
- Fox News — victim identifiedPerceived conservative
- AP News — murder charges / immigration statusPerceived neutral
- Reuters — not-guilty pleaPerceived neutral
No separate court filing or agency record is linked yet for this case—news accounts below may quote those documents. Primary links will be added when publicly available.