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A 3-year-old girl, 51-year-old man, 61-year-old man and 62-year-old woman were killed. More than a dozen others, including six firefighters were injured.<\/p>\n
“My heart that day, my heart went out to the baby, the 3-year-old,” said neighbor Joe Cruz.<\/p>\n
Amatitla was arrested at his home on Wednesday<\/a> several miles away after a joint investigation involving police and fire marshals. He said nothing and ignored questions as he was brought out of the 109th precinct station.<\/p>\n Roman Amatitla, 38, is also charged with arson, assault and petit larceny.<\/p>\n Sources told Eyewitness News that Amatitla deliberately set fire to a piece of paper and a piece of wood in the vestibule.<\/p>\n There’s now a vacate order on the front door, and the damage is still evident.<\/p>\n The building had a history of complaints about illegal subdivisions and conversions, and squatting. The apartments inside were cluttered.<\/p>\n Neighbors had no idea just how deadly those conditions turned out to be for those who couldn’t safely escape.<\/p>\n “I didn’t even know it was four. I just heard about the baby,” said neighbor Alvi Zaman.<\/p>\n They also didn’t know it was being investigated as a case of arson, but were surprised and relieved to hear someone was arrested.<\/p>\n “They took innocent people’s life that day. That’s sad, my heart goes out to them,” Cruz said.<\/p>\n Amatitla has been been charged with multiple counts of murder, assault, arson and petit larceny. Sources say the petit larceny charges are for stealing beer, but it’s unclear who he stole it from.<\/p>\n They say he has no connection to the building, and no prior arrests.<\/p>\n The home had a history of conversions and squatting.<\/p>\n ———-<\/p>\n * More Queens news<\/a><\/p>\n * Send us a news tip<\/a><\/p>\n * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts<\/a> <\/p>\n * Download our connected TV app<\/a> <\/p>\n
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