New York City, NY – The New York City Fire Department announced that a Queens man has been arrested in connection with a fatal four-alarm fire that killed four people at a residential property in Queens, identifying the suspect as 38-year-old Roman Amatitla and confirming the arrest followed an extensive multi-agency investigation.
Roman Amatitla, of Queens, was taken into custody on April 8 in connection with the March 16 fire at 132-05 Avery Avenue, according to the FDNY. Fire marshals assigned to the department’s Bureau of Fire Investigation worked alongside partner law enforcement agencies to develop the case, ultimately leading to the arrest in one of the borough’s deadliest recent fire incidents.
Fire investigation and timeline
The fire occurred on March 16 and escalated into a four-alarm response, indicating a significant and resource-intensive emergency that required a large deployment of FDNY personnel. The blaze resulted in four fatalities at the Avery Avenue location.
Following the incident, FDNY fire marshals launched an investigation to determine the cause and origin of the fire. The Bureau of Fire Investigation is responsible for examining fire scenes, collecting evidence, and assisting in cases where criminal activity may be involved.
Officials stated that the investigation was extensive and involved coordination with partner law enforcement agencies, though specific details about those agencies or the evidence gathered have not been publicly disclosed.
Role of fire marshals and partner agencies
Fire marshals played a central role in the investigation, working to piece together the circumstances surrounding the deadly blaze. Their findings contributed directly to identifying Amatitla as a suspect.
The FDNY confirmed that the Bureau of Fire Investigation assisted partner law enforcement agencies throughout the case, a standard approach in fatal fire incidents where potential criminal liability is under review.
Authorities have not released additional information about potential charges or the specific allegations tied to Amatitla’s arrest.
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Key Points
• Roman Amatitla, 38, was arrested April 8 in connection with a Queens fire
• The March 16 four-alarm blaze at 132-05 Avery Avenue killed four people
• FDNY fire marshals and partner agencies conducted the investigation
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Status of the case
The case remains active following the arrest, and further details are expected as the legal process moves forward. Officials have not announced court proceedings or outlined formal charges at this stage.
The FDNY has not released additional information regarding the cause of the fire or the sequence of events leading up to the incident. The investigation’s findings beyond the arrest have also not been made public.
Amatitla remains in custody as authorities continue to handle the case.