In a tragic incident that has shocked the community, a 38-year-old man, Roman Amatitla, is facing serious charges in connection with a devastating fire in Queens, New York, that resulted in the deaths of four individuals, including a young girl of just three years. The fire, which occurred on March 16, has led to multiple counts of murder and arson being brought against Amatitla by prosecutors in Queens.
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Authorities assert that Amatitla had no prior connection to the victims or the apartment building located on Avery Avenue in Flushing. According to a comprehensive criminal complaint, he is accused of deliberately igniting the fire and then remaining in close proximity while the inferno claimed lives and forced residents to flee.
Amatitla allegedly entered the building several times before the fire broke out, behaving suspiciously by lingering outside and even urinating in the vicinity. Investigators claim he initiated the blaze by igniting a piece of paper, which he placed atop garbage located in the ground-floor hallway, specifically at the base of a stairwell.
Surveillance footage reportedly captured Amatitla leaving the scene shortly after the fire was ignited. He was seen visiting a nearby gas station where he purchased two beers and matches, returning to the building just moments before the flames began to engulf the structure. The prosecuting team remarked that it appeared he observed the chaos unfold from a distance without attempting to assist those trapped inside.
The Queens District Attorney, Melinda Katz, characterised the incident as an “act of mass murder,” highlighting the calculated nature of Amatitla’s actions. In the complaint, it is stated that he was aware of the presence of individuals in the building when he set the fire, yet felt compelled to act out of a need to vent his anger after losing his job.
The fire erupted at roughly 12:30 p.m., necessitating the response of around 230 firefighters who battled the flames for over two hours. Tragically, among the deceased was toddler Sihan Yang, found lifeless on a third-floor bed. Two adults, Chengri Cui, aged 49, and Shin Chie Ming, aged 61, were also discovered within the building, succumbing to smoke inhalation. Additionally, a fourth victim, Hong Zhao, aged 64, died from blunt force trauma after jumping out of a window in an attempt to escape the blaze.
The aftermath left seven others injured, with some individuals sustaining significant injuries as they attempted to escape the flames by jumping from upper floors. Reports indicate that one person suffered broken ribs and severe foot pain, while two firefighters were injured when a staircase collapsed, causing them to plunge into the basement during their rescue efforts.
Amatitla is accused of starting the fire as a response to being dismissed from his job, according to information provided in the complaint. He has pleaded not guilty to various charges, including eight counts of second-degree murder, along with arson. Following his arraignment, he was ordered to be held without bail and is scheduled to return to court on April 13. If found guilty, Amatitla could face a sentence ranging from 25 years to life in prison.
As the investigation unfolds, the community is grappling with the profound loss and devastation wrought by this destructive incident. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of violent actions and the importance of mental health support during times of personal crisis.