A man is accused of consuming a beer and observing the aftermath of igniting a New York building, resulting in the deaths of four individuals.
Roman Almatitla, 38, is facing charges of arson, murder, and assault related to a fire that occurred in a three-story building in Flushing last month.
According to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, three adults and a three-year-old girl perished in the incident, with some individuals resorting to jumping out of windows to evade the flames.
Chengri Cui, 49, Shin Chie Ming, 61, and the young girl were discovered deceased at the scene due to smoke inhalation. Hong Zhao, 64, leaped from a window, sustaining severe injuries leading to his death in the hospital.
Multiple people sustained injuries, including two firefighters who had to be rescued when a staircase collapsed within the building.
Almatitla allegedly confessed to having no specific motive for being at the building that day, mentioning frustration over losing his job as a trigger for starting the fire.
He entered the building multiple times before purchasing a beer at a nearby gas station, taking another without payment, and requesting a lighter from the cashier.
Surveillance footage captured him at the gas station before returning to the building, following a woman inside as she opened the door.
Reportedly, he then ignited a piece of paper using matches and placed it in a trash can near the exit for the upper floors.
The first floor of the building is utilized for commercial purposes, while the upper levels consist of residential apartments. Witnesses recounted seeing individuals jumping from the second floor during the chaos.
The property had received over 50 violations from the Department of Buildings since 2020. In 2023, inspectors discovered an illicit gambling operation on the first floor, resulting in a substantial fine.
The most recent violation in January this year was due to improper maintenance, with investigators uncovering extension cords connecting the floors.
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