Man Charged with Murder After Deadly Bronx Fire Sparked by Stolen Stove

Arrest in Deadly Bronx Fire

• 🎯 Samuel Calderon, 55, a homeless man, has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with a fatal fire at the Boston Secor Houses in the Bronx.
• 💡 Police believe Calderon ripped a stove from his ex-girlfriend's apartment, causing a gas leak that led to an explosion and subsequent fire.

The Incident and Its Aftermath

• ⚠️ The fire was sparked by a gas explosion on the 15th floor, where FDNY had already been alerted to a gas odor.
• 💔 The blaze raged into Saturday morning, resulting in the death of 60-year-old Ronald Mallister and injuring 15 others.
• 🏠 Hundreds of residents remain displaced, with the building under a vacate order due to structural damage from the blast.
• 🔌 Over a thousand neighbors in the complex are without gas and have been provided with hot plates.

Suspect's Alleged Motive and Building Renovations

• 💰 Sources suggest Calderon intended to sell the stolen stove to buy drugs.
• 🏗️ The apartment complex, under new management for over a year, has been undergoing renovations, with tenants receiving new appliances, including stoves.
• 💬 Some neighbors expressed concern about ongoing work and complaints of cutting corners potentially contributing to the incident.