Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Arrest made in fatal Flushing fire that killed 4, including toddler
By
Charles Lane
Published Apr 8, 2026
Modified Apr 8, 2026
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Charles Lane
Published Apr 8, 2026
Modified Apr 8, 2026
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Police have arrested a 38-year-old man in connection with a fatal fire at a Flushing home that killed four people last month, authorities said.
Roman Amatitla, 38, faces eight counts of murder, eight counts of arson, 12 counts of assault and four counts of petit larceny in the March 16 blaze at 132-05 Avery Ave., according to an NYPD spokesperson.
Amatitla, a Queens resident, was arrested Tuesday by U.S. Marshals and NYPD detectives. He was charged on Wednesday afternoon, police said. Attorney information for him was not immediately available.
Law enforcement officials said Amatitla was not related to anyone who lived in the building and allegedly used an accelerant inside the home to start the fire.
The fire broke out in a two-family home that court filings say had been converted into as many as 14 units. The city medical examiner previously ruled the deaths a homicide.
The blaze killed Sihan Yang, a 3-year-old girl, and Chengri Cui, 50, police said. Two other victims — a 61-year-old woman and a 63-year-old man — have not been publicly identified.
Police said they are withholding the names of the 61-year-old woman and 63-year-old man pending family notification.
Tenants previously told Gothamist the building was poorly maintained, with garbage blocking hallways, leaks left unrepaired and makeshift units carved out of the home. City records show dozens of violations at the property, some still open.
The building’s owner, Dechang Yee, was sued by the city in 2023 over $300,000 in unpaid penalties tied to Department of Buildings violations.
Yee’s attorney previously declined to comment.
This is a developing story and may be updated.
Tagged
public safety
queens
Charles Lane
Charles is a Day-of reporter focused on breaking news and enterprise. He’s very friendly and can be reached at [email protected], or more securely on whatsapp/signal 631-295-6715
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Central Park birders, others remember 63-year-old woman killed in park
The NYPD has not publicly identified her. People who knew her said she was an artist and a familiar presence in the Ramble.
By
Charles Lane
Published Sep 28, 2026 at 7:04 p.m. ET
Dump truck driver hits and kills cyclist on 34th Street in Midtown, NYPD says
It's the latest in a string of hit-and-run deaths in the city in recent months.
By
Liam Quigley
News
Dump truck driver hits and kills cyclist on 34th Street in Midtown, NYPD says
It's the latest in a string of hit-and-run deaths in the city in recent months.
By
Liam Quigley
New ingredient mandated for Latin American kitchen, restaurant plates in NJ
By
Arya Sundaram
A Brooklyn jail cell filled with smoke. The emergency button failed, a lawyer said.
By
Samantha Max
Crews launch tunnel machines to dig first new Hudson River rail tunnels since 1910
By
Michael Sol Warren
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .