Man dies after being set on fire inside own home; teens charged for murder

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Two teenagers accused of setting a 53-year-old man on fire have been arrested after the victim died from severe burns and injuries.

The boys (names withheld) allegedly lit Steven Amenhauser on fire inside his New York home, after spraying him with ignitable liquid on March 12, Democrat and Chronicle reported on March 15. The boys are 14-years-old and 16-years-old.

Nearby citizens tried to help Amenhauser in putting the fire out as he ran out of his apartment in flames, but he still suffered severe second- and third- degree burns on most parts of his body. After the fire was extinguished, he was taken to a nearby hospital’s burn trauma unit.

Both teens were initially charged with first-degree assault and second-degree arson in connection with the attack, local police said. The teens faced additional charges for second-degree murder following the man’s death.

Authorities are still working to find out the motive behind the incident, but they confirmed that the boys were not related and the attack was not connected to domestic violence. They also dismissed drugs or gang involvement as possible motives, CBS affiliate Rochester First reported on March 16.

Amenhauser ultimately succumbed to his injuries in the early morning of March 16. He no longer had any living relatives and lived alone in his apartment, but police are still attempting to get in touch with any other family members.

Both teens were taken into custody by juvenile and family centers, and were scheduled for arraignments, Democrat and Chronicle reported. Dana Cruz/JB

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