Man Indicted On Murder Charges In NYC Fire That Killed 3-Year-Old Boy, 3 Others

NEW YORK CITY — A man has been indicted on murder charges after setting a deadly fire that killed four people in March.

Prosecutors have now upgraded charges against Roman Amatitla, who now faces a first-degree murder count in addition to second-degree murder and arson, among other charges.

Amatitla is accused of starting the fire by lighting a piece of paper and placing it on top of trash at the base of the building’s only stairwell exit from the upper floors.

He then walked across the street and watched the fire spread while he drank a beer.

“As alleged, Roman Amatitla killed four people, including a 3-year-old girl, when he torched the building where they lived,” Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said. “He continues to be held in custody to assure accountability. This was a horrific crime that shocked the city.”

The fire broke out at 44-49 College Point Blvd. in Flushing around 12:30 p.m. on March 16.

The blaze quickly spread through the three floors of the building causing a collapse, fire officials said.

Two of the victims have been identified as 3-year-old Sihan Yang and 50-year-old Chengri Cui. A 61-year-old woman and a 63-year-old man have not been identified yet.

Seven other people were injured in the fire, including two FDNY firefighters.

If convicted, Amatitla faces up to life in prison without parole.

Amatitla is scheduled to return to court on July 14.