Editor's note: This story has been updated to clarify that the New York City Police Foundation has not yet determined a reward in this case.
NEW YORK (PIX11) – The three teens who helped police find Sebastian Zapeta, the man charged in connection with setting a woman on fire in a New York City subway station, may not get the promised reward money, sources told PIX11 News on Friday.
The teens called 911 instead of the Crime Stoppers tip line, so they do not qualify for the $10,000 reward that was offered, the sources said. Rewards are given for tips received specifically on the Crime Stoppers hotline if they lead to the arrest and indictment of a violent felon, the NYPD’s website states.
However, a spokesperson with the NYPD said the case has not yet been reviewed.
"The NYPD remains grateful to these young individuals for their support on this case. These situations are reviewed and decided on a case-by-case basis, and no one has been denied any potential reward money in this case. This will be reviewed just like every other case," the spokesperson said.
The New York City Police Foundation, an independent nonprofit that provides resources to the NYPD, is responsible for reviewing reward cases and determining the amount of money that is granted.
The teens spotted Zapeta at the York Street station on Dec. 22, the same day he allegedly set fire to 57-year-old Debrina Kawam on an F train in Coney Island, police said. The trio recognized him based on surveillance photos released by the NYPD, according to authorities.
Zapeta pleaded not guilty to murder and arson charges after being accused of setting Kawam’s clothes on fire with a lighter and then fanning the flames with a shirt. Kawam was so badly burned that police had said they might need dental records to identify her.
During his arraignment on Jan. 7, Zapeta said he had been heavily drinking throughout the night and had fallen asleep on the subway, but did not remember what happened next.
“I am very sorry. I didn’t mean to,” he told detectives. “I don’t know what happened, but I’m very sorry for that woman.”
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said if Zapeta is convicted, his office will seek the maximum punishment of life in prison with no chance of parole.
This story includes reporting from the Associated Press.
Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here.
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