Virginia Cranwell, 82, died in a fire in her New Jersey home this summer. Her neighbor, who claimed he had tried to save her, now faces murder and arson charges. Source: New York Times
Posts published in “Arson”
Man Accused of Setting Subway Rider on Fire Is Charged With Arson
By Gotham Rex on December 5, 2025
The victim was sleeping on a train at Penn Station in Manhattan around 3 a.m. Monday when an 18-year-old man set him on fire, the police said. Source: New York Times
Suspect in Murder of Queens Couple Told Police That He Burned Them
By Gotham Rex on September 12, 2025
Jamel McGriff, who was arraigned late Thursday night, told the authorities that he had “molested” the septuagenarians before torching their home in the Bellerose neighborhood. Source: New York Times
Man Is Charged With Arson in Fire at an L.G.B.T.Q. Club in Brooklyn
By Gotham Rex on April 14, 2022
Prosecutors said John Lhota can be seen on security camera footage setting the blaze, which destroyed the club, Rash, and injured two workers. Source: New York Times
Central Park Brush Fires May Have Been Deliberately Set, Officials Say
By Gotham Rex on March 8, 2022
A series of fires in the park’s North Woods section were extinguished without injuries or serious damage. Source: New York Times
How Fire Defined the Bronx, and Us
By Gotham Rex on January 20, 2022
The recent fire at Twin Parks in the Bronx was an undeniable tragedy. Just as every fire there over the past 50 years has been. Source: New York Times
The Happy Land Nightclub Fire in 1990 Left 87 People Dead
By Gotham Rex on January 10, 2022
An arson at the Happy Land Social Club killed 87 people more than 30 years ago. Source: New York Times
Brooklyn Lawyers Plead Guilty in Firebomb Case
By Gotham Rex on October 20, 2021
Colinford Mattis and Urooj Rahman expressed regret for the attack on a police car in May 2020. Each could face 10 years in prison. Source: New York Times
Star Sommelier Is Charged With Setting Outdoor Dining Sheds on Fire
By Gotham Rex on July 28, 2021
Caleb Ganzer, a former Food & Wine magazine sommelier of the year and a partner in a well-regarded Manhattan wine bar, is now facing arson charges. Source: New York Times
Building Inspectors Among 4 Arrested in Fatal Fire at Adult Care Home
By Gotham Rex on June 29, 2021
Two officials are accused of filing false reports, and a father and son face arson and manslaughter charges in a blaze that killed two men. Source: New York Times
Man Charged in Arson at Brooklyn Synagogue and Yeshiva, Officials Say
By Gotham Rex on May 22, 2021
The man was also connected to assaults on a Jewish man and a Black subway rider and vandalism at a Catholic church, court records show. Source: New York Times
He Was Playing With Fireworks. One Flew Into His Home, Video Shows.
By Gotham Rex on July 2, 2020
In footage released by the Fire Department, flames rise in the Brooklyn house, a striking example of the dangers posed by the proliferation of fireworks. Source: New York Times