A quiet neighborhood in New York City turned into a nightmare after prosecutors say Roman Amatitla, 38, deliberately set a deadly fire that killed four innocent people, including a 3-year-old girl.
According to authorities, the suspect had just been fired from his job on March 16. Instead of targeting someone he knew, prosecutors say he picked a building at random in Queens. His alleged motive was chillingly simple. He wanted “someone” to suffer.
Surveillance footage shows Amatitla scouting the building before heading to a nearby gas station. He reportedly grabbed beer, asked for a lighter, then settled for matches. Minutes later, he allegedly lit a fire inside the building’s hallway and walked away.
What happened next was pure chaos.
As flames spread rapidly, residents were trapped inside. Some were forced to jump from windows to escape the smoke and heat. Prosecutors described a horrifying scene where victims were seen struggling to survive while the suspect allegedly stood outside, watching.
One of the victims was a mother of a 3-year-old child, both caught in the blaze. Others included older residents who had no chance to escape in time. Firefighters battled the inferno for nearly two hours before bringing it under control.
Officials say the suspect didn’t just start the fire and flee. He stayed nearby, allegedly observing the destruction as it unfolded.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz called the case “one of the greatest crimes this borough has seen in a very long time,” describing the details as deeply disturbing.
Amatitla has now been charged with multiple counts, including murder, arson, and assault, and is being held without bail. Prosecutors say the randomness of the attack makes it even more terrifying. There was no warning. No connection. Just rage.