New York Man Charged With Murder After Setting Building on Fire Over Job Loss, 4 Dead

A New York City man has been charged with murder and arson after allegedly setting a residential building on fire that killed four people, including a toddler, in a deadly incident that prosecutors say was driven by rage after he lost his job. Authorities described the case as one of the most severe acts of violence the borough of Queens has seen in recent years.

The accused, identified as 38-year-old Roman Amatitla, is alleged to have deliberately started the fire in a residential building on March 16. According to prosecutors, he entered and exited the building multiple times before returning with matches and setting fire to a piece of paper placed on garbage in a stairwell, triggering a rapidly spreading blaze.

Investigators said Amatitla later admitted that he was acting out of anger after being fired from his job. However, authorities noted that the employment loss had no connection to the building or its residents, indicating that the location was chosen at random. Prosecutors further stated that he told investigators he knew the building was occupied and expected that people could be harmed.

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The fire resulted in the deaths of four residents: three-year-old Sihan Yang, 49-year-old Chengri Cui, 61-year-old Shin Chie, and 64-year-old Hong Zhao, who died after jumping from a window in an attempt to escape the flames. Several other residents were injured, including individuals who suffered serious harm while trying to flee the burning structure.

Emergency responders also faced dangerous conditions during the incident, with two firefighters sustaining injuries after a staircase inside the building collapsed while they were attempting rescue operations. The fire quickly escalated, trapping residents and causing widespread damage before it was brought under control.

Amatitla has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder along with arson and related offences. If convicted, he faces a potential sentence of 25 years to life in prison. The case remains under investigation as prosecutors continue to gather evidence and prepare for trial proceedings.

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