Overview
- Roman Amatitla, 38, was arraigned Tuesday on a 37-count indictment that includes four first-degree murder and five first-degree arson charges, and he pleaded not guilty.
- The upgraded counts carry a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole if he is convicted.
- Prosecutors say surveillance shows him entering the Flushing building several times, buying beer and matches at a nearby BP station, igniting paper on trash in the stairwell, and staying nearby as smoke filled the street.
- According to the criminal complaint, he told detectives he set the blaze to release anger after being fired and said he heard people inside and knew harm would result.
- The March 16 fire at 132-05 Avery Avenue killed 3-year-old Sihan Yang, Chengri Cui, and Shin Chie Ming by smoke inhalation, and Hong Zhao after a jump from a window, while seven others were injured, including two firefighters hurt when a staircase collapsed.