Local police announced in early December that they had finally identified the woman who was burned alive on a New York City subway car, ending days of public speculation.
The New York City Police Department (NYPD) has confirmed that the person who was burned alive while riding the F train in Brooklyn on the morning of December 21st was Debrina Khawam, a 61-year-old woman from Toms River, New Jersey. Daily Caller News Foundation. The man charged in the attack is Sebastian Zapeta Khalil, a 33-year-old previously deported Guatemalan citizen living in the United States illegally. (Related: Exclusive: Trump’s next border czar, Tom Homan, sees big problems with Biden’s latest deportation numbers)
Because law enforcement could not identify the victims for days, and no apparent family or friends came forward, some people she guessed that Maybe he was homeless. The NYPD did not release any details about Khawam on Tuesday other than his name, age and home address.
The gruesome details of the attack sparked national media coverage and once again spotlighted the problem of criminal illegal immigration in the United States.
NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 8: People participate in the annual vintage subway ride in New York City on December 8, 2024. (Photo by Stephanie Keith/Getty Images)
Investigators believe Khawam was sleeping on the train when Zapeta approached her and lit her clothes on fire with a match, which quickly engulfed her in flames. The illegal immigrant then allegedly remained at the scene, sitting on a bench and watching her die from her injuries.
“As the train entered the station, the suspect calmly walked up to the victim, who was sitting on the edge of the subway car,” New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said in a statement. press conference Immediately after the incident. “The suspect used what appeared to be a lighter to ignite the victim’s clothing, which completely burned within seconds.”
Tisch said local police on patrol above the station smelled and saw smoke and went to investigate. Tisch described the attack as “one of the most despicable crimes one person can commit.” . When police arrived at the scene, they found the victim standing inside the train, completely engulfed in flames, and began extinguishing the fire.
Zapeta was arrested by the NYPD later that day after a witness found him with a lighter in his pocket. It was later revealed that Mr Khawam had intentionally fanned the flames by waving his shirt over her while she was burning.
A spokesperson for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed to DCNF that Zapeta is an illegal immigrant who was previously deported several years ago.
“U.S. Border Patrol agents in Sonoita, Arizona encountered Zapeta on June 1, 2018, issued an expedited removal order, and removed Zapeta from the United States to Guatemala in a forced removal operation on June 7, 2018.” the department told DCNF. “Zapeta illegally reentered the United States at an unknown date and location.”
The Guatemalan national was subsequently charged with first- and second-degree murder and arson. He is scheduled to be arraigned on January 7, 2025.
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