Sebastian Zapeta, a 33-year-old Guatemalan citizen, pleaded not guilty to murder and arson charges stemming from the Dec. 22 death of Debrina Kawam. Prosecutors allege Zapeta set Kawam on fire on a stopped F train in Brooklyn, then watched as she burned. Zapeta reportedly admitted to being in surveillance footage but claimed he doesn’t remember the incident due to alcohol consumption. The top charge carries a life sentence without parole.
The suspect in the UnitedHealth CEO’s killing has pleaded not guilty to the charges of murder and terrorism, a move that’s unsurprising given standard legal procedure. The initial plea of “not guilty” is a common tactic, allowing the defense team time to build a case and potentially negotiate a plea bargain. It seems to be a calculated strategy, delaying the proceedings and buying time for a comprehensive defense.
This is shaping up to be one of the most highly publicized trials of 2025, generating immense public interest and sparking considerable debate. Jury selection is expected to be incredibly difficult, given the highly controversial nature of the healthcare and insurance industries, and the strong opinions held by many about the victim and the suspect’s motivations.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood