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The family of a woman who tragically lost her life in a subway fire incident is calling on Democrats to address how the migrant suspect, previously deported, managed to return to the United States and commit such a horrific crime.
Debrina Kawam, 57, was sitting alone on a stopped F train in Brooklyn in December when Sebastian Zapeta allegedly approached her and ignited her clothing with a lighter. Fueled by shock and mourning, the family is now questioning the effectiveness of current immigration policies.
According to New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, after setting Kawam on fire, Zapeta walked away casually and observed the commotion as emergency responders arrived. Kawam endured severe burns, making identification difficult and prolonging the grieving process for her family.
A Call for Answers
On Wednesday, civil rights leader Rev. Kevin McCall addressed the media outside Kings County Supreme Court in Brooklyn, where he shared a poignant statement from Kawam’s family. They described her as a “beautiful, bright soul who brought light to everyone around her.” The emotional weight of the statement reflected their deep sorrow as they demanded accountability.
The family’s statement directed sharp criticisms toward Democrats, pointing to what they perceive as lax immigration controls under the Biden administration that allowed millions of unvetted individuals to cross the border.
A Family’s Grief
“We as a family want to know how this monster, the individual responsible for taking her from us, was ever allowed back into this country,” McCall articulated. “How was he allowed to walk free and commit such a heinous act? This question weighs heavily on our hearts and minds, and it is essential that Democrats provide answers.”
Authorities revealed that Zapeta illegally entered the United States in 2018, subsequently getting deported. However, he returned at an undetermined time, raising alarms about immigration enforcement failures.
The family insists that Zapeta must be held accountable under the law. They are adamant not to rest until justice is achieved. They proclaimed, “He needs to be incarcerated for the rest of his life for taking our loved one. Furthermore, we demand his immediate deportation so that he cannot harm anyone else in this country again.”
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Zapeta appeared in court clad in an orange jumpsuit and a brown jacket, with his hands restrained. His freshly cut hair suggested an attempt to maintain a semblance of normalcy amid the chaos surrounding his legal troubles.
His attorney, Andrew Friedman, noted that Zapeta attended a court hearing for a quick conference regarding discovery, where prosecutors requested a buccal swab from him. Zapeta has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and arson connected to the December 22 incident and is expected back in court on May 7.
The Impact of Substance Abuse
In statements to detectives, Zapeta claimed he was in a drunken blackout during the attack on Kawam, who was reportedly homeless at the time. “I am very sorry. I didn’t mean to. But I really don’t know, I don’t know what happened, but I’m very sorry for that woman,” he allegedly stated, as captured in a transcript from his interrogation, which had been translated from Spanish to English.
He explained that alcohol often led to blackouts, resulting in gaps in his memory of events. “Sometimes when I drink and erase the memory, I don’t know, right? When I wake up, I’m already in the house, already sleeping. I wake up when I’m already at home,” Zapeta recounted.
The psychiatric aspect of substance abuse in cases like this emphasizes the need for comprehensive rehabilitation programs that might prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The Broader Implications
The case has ignited discussions around immigration policy and the responsibilities of local government leaders. The family expressed appreciation toward Homeland Security officials for supporting efforts to deport criminal illegal immigrants from New York City and beyond.
Rev. McCall also criticized New York City Mayor Eric Adams for what he perceived as indecisiveness regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement protocols. He communicated that the family wishes to keep their legal involvement discrete, signaling their desire for privacy in a turbulent time.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the community is left grappling with the underlying issues of crime, immigration, and the societal responsibilities that come with them. The family of Debrina Kawam hopes their poignant plea for accountability resonates loudly, prompting necessary changes to ensure such tragedies are prevented in the future.
Ready for Justice
As this case continues, community sentiments are mixed, with many advocating for stricter immigration laws, while others emphasize compassion and the potential for rehabilitation. The outcome of Zapeta’s trial will undoubtedly impact not only the families involved but also the greater conversation on public safety in New York and across the nation.
Zapeta could face a maximum sentence of life without the possibility of parole if convicted, a notion that further underscores the severity of this incident. The family of Debrina Kawam insists that justice must prevail, holding firm in their pursuit of accountability.
