Woman Burned to Death on Subway Pictured in HS Yearbook Photo

Debrina Kawam, a 57-year-old woman with aspirations of becoming a flight attendant, met a horrifying end on December 22 when she was burned to death while asleep on a Brooklyn F train. The tragedy has shocked New York City and drawn nationwide attention to the vulnerabilities of the homeless community.

Known affectionately as “Debbie” or “Deb” during her school years, Kawam graduated in 1985 from Passaic Valley Regional High School in Little Falls, New Jersey. Her high school yearbook described her as having a “million-dollar smile” and a penchant for life’s carefree joys. “To party forever” was listed as her secret ambition, alongside heartfelt thanks to her parents “for everything.”

Classmates remembered her energy and warmth, often referring to her as one of the most cheerful and unique personalities in their cohort. She participated in cheerleading during her freshman and sophomore years and earned superlatives for her distinctive style and vibrant personality.

“She was the kind of person who lit up a room,” recalled former classmate Linda Greer. “Her smile was unforgettable, and her laughter was contagious. It’s heartbreaking to know her life ended this way.”

In recent years, Kawam fell on hard times. Sources revealed she had been living in New York City homeless shelters from September until her death in December. Toms River resident Olga Corpion, who purchased Kawam’s mother’s former home, shared a poignant encounter with her earlier this year.

“She introduced herself and said she wanted to see her mom,” Corpion recounted. “It was clear she wasn’t well because her mother had moved years ago. I’m in shock that she was standing here not long ago, and now I hear about this horrific tragedy.”

Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, 33, has been charged with first- and second-degree murder and arson in connection with Kawam’s death. Surveillance footage reportedly shows Zapeta-Calil setting Kawam on fire as she slept on the subway at the Stillwell Avenue-Coney Island station.

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez described the crime as “dastardly” and vowed justice. “This is one of the most serious offenses under New York law, and we are confident in our ability to hold the defendant accountable,” he stated.

Zapeta-Calil, an undocumented immigrant who was deported in 2018 but reentered the U.S., claimed he was intoxicated and could not recall the attack. If convicted, he faces life imprisonment without parole.

Kawam’s body was identified through fingerprints over a week after the attack. Her tragic death has sparked an outpouring of grief from friends, family, and former classmates.

“We lost a soul who deserved so much better,” said high school acquaintance Rachel Porter. “Debbie had dreams, just like all of us. She deserved to feel safe, loved, and valued.”

The incident has reignited conversations about the safety of public transit systems and the treatment of vulnerable populations, particularly the homeless.

As the city continues to grapple with the aftermath, Kawam’s memory serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of addressing systemic issues to prevent future tragedies.