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.
The suspect’s name was not immediately released because his arrest is still being processed. He is expected to face murder and arson charges, police said.
The fire broke out on March 16 at 132-05 Avery Ave., 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, 3, 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.
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 allegedly unpaid penalties tied to Department of Buildings violations. Yee’s attorney previously declined to comment.
This is a developing story and may be updated.
