A man in New York City is facing multiple murder charges after authorities say he deliberately set a fire inside a Queens apartment building, killing four people, including a young child, and injuring several others.
Charges and Court Proceedings
Roman Amatitla, 38, of Maspeth, was arrested and charged with eight counts of second-degree murder and first-degree arson in connection with the March 16 fire in Flushing. If convicted, he faces 25 years to life in prison. Judge Thomas Wright-Fernandez ordered him held in custody, with a court appearance scheduled for April 13.
Prosecutors Describe “Random” Attack
Melinda Katz called the fire an “act of mass murder,” saying the suspect had no known connection to the building or its residents and appeared to have chosen it at random. Prosecutors allege Amatitla entered and exited the building several times before starting the fire.
Alleged Sequence of Events
Authorities say Amatitla went to a nearby gas station before the incident, where he purchased a beer, stole another and took matches after refusing to pay for a lighter. He then returned to the building, allegedly lit a piece of paper and tossed it onto trash near a stairwell, igniting the blaze.
Prosecutors told the court that he remained nearby as the fire spread, watching the scene unfold. Assistant District Attorney Gabriel Reale said the suspect observed as residents attempted to escape, some jumping from windows.
Victims and Injuries
Among those killed were 3-year-old Sihan Yang, Chengri Cui, 49, and Chie Shin Ming, 61, who died from smoke inhalation inside the building. A fourth victim, Hong Zhao, 64, died later at a hospital after suffering severe injuries while jumping from a window to escape.
Several others were injured, including members of the New York City Fire Department. A lieutenant and firefighter were hurt when a staircase collapsed during rescue efforts, while additional residents were injured trying to flee the flames.
Motive Remains Unclear
Prosecutors indicated the suspect may have acted out of rage, though no clear motive has been established. Authorities have not confirmed details regarding his background beyond basic identification information.
Case Continues
Amatitla remains in custody as the case moves forward, with prosecutors continuing to build their case in what officials describe as a tragic and senseless act of violence.
