Man Arrested for Killing 4 in Apartment Fire Went to Buy Beer as Victims Burned

A quiet New York City neighborhood was turned into a scene of chaos and tragedy after a man allegedly set a deadly fire inside an apartment building — then stuck around as flames tore through the home.

Prosecutors say 38-year-old Roman Amatitla is responsible for the March 16 blaze that killed four people, including a young child, inside a residential building on Avery Avenue in Flushing, Queens.

What makes the case even more chilling is what allegedly happened before and after the fire.

According to investigators, Amatitla had no connection to the building or the people living there. Yet he was reportedly seen entering the property multiple times in the hours leading up to the fire, lingering outside and behaving erratically.

Authorities say he eventually went inside and deliberately started the blaze at the base of a stairwell by lighting paper and placing it on top of trash in a hallway.

Surveillance footage then allegedly captured him leaving the scene — only to stop at a nearby gas station, where he grabbed two beers and returned to the area.

Moments later, smoke began to pour from the building.

Prosecutors say he stayed nearby, watching as the fire quickly spread and trapped residents inside.

“This was an act of mass murder,” said Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz. “He deliberately set a fire in an occupied building, knowing people were inside.”

According to the criminal complaint, Amatitla later admitted he heard people in the building when he started the fire and understood someone could get hurt — but claimed he did it because he “needed to get his anger out” after losing his job.

The fire broke out around 12:30 p.m., sending residents scrambling for their lives. Some were forced to jump from windows to escape the intense flames.

More than 200 firefighters rushed to the scene, battling the blaze for over two hours.

Among those killed was 3-year-old Sihan Yang, who was found inside the building. Two other victims — Chengri Cui, 49, and Shin Chie Ming, 61 — died from smoke inhalation.

A fourth victim, 64-year-old Hong Zhao, died after jumping from a window in a desperate attempt to escape.

At least seven others were injured, including several who leapt from upper floors to survive. One person suffered broken ribs and lasting mobility issues after jumping from a third-story window.

Two firefighters were also hurt when part of a staircase collapsed beneath them, sending them plunging into the basement. They were treated for burns and smoke inhalation.

Authorities say the fire was clearly intentional and originated in the building’s stairwell — a location that allowed flames and smoke to spread rapidly through the structure.

Amatitla has been charged with multiple counts of second-degree murder and arson. He has pleaded not guilty and is being held without bail.

If convicted, he could face 25 years to life in prison.