Story perspectives

Guardian Angels Honor Victim, Call for Subway Statue

12/23/2025

Summary

Story summary

On December 22, 2025, Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels, commemorated the anniversary of Debrina Kawam's death in an arson attack by Sebastian Zapeta-Calil.
Sliwa advocated for a statue in Kawam's honor at the subway station where she died.
Kawam, originally from Tom's River, New Jersey, became homeless due to mental illness.
Guardian Angel Amaldo Salina urged society to support one another, calling the incident a wake-up call for New Yorkers.
Zapeta-Calil is charged with murder and arson and is being held without bail.

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Story summary

On December 22, 2025, Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels, commemorated the anniversary of Debrina Kawam's death in an arson attack by Sebastian Zapeta-Calil.
Sliwa advocated for a statue in Kawam's honor at the subway station where she died.
Kawam, originally from Tom's River, New Jersey, became homeless due to mental illness.
Guardian Angel Amaldo Salina urged society to support one another, calling the incident a wake-up call for New Yorkers.
Zapeta-Calil is charged with murder and arson and is being held without bail.