Underhill and St Johns fire, with fatality

It was at 203 Underhill. Just came back to the chaos from an afternoon out. Asked someone hanging out on my stoop (on the same block) - he said supposedly, supposedly, someone was shot, thrown in the elevator, and the elevator set on fire. Not sure if this is all true, but yikes.

http://www.onehansonplace.com/2011/12/gruesome-death-by-fire-in-elevator-on.html

The image of the suspect is chilling. My heart goes out to the victim and her family.

I cannot fathom how someone could commit such a horrific, senseless crime. When I read about crimes of passion or self-defense, although I don't condone violence, it (sort of) makes sense, but something like this has me baffled. I just can't understand how someone could be so mentally unstable, but the frightening thing is that often times crimes like this, rape, murder, etc, are committed by people who are not mentally disturbed, but who appear to be "normal". If I saw this guy getting on an elevator I would probably have no problem stepping on with him, especially at 4:30 in the afternoon, I would have felt perfectly safe.

I did jury duty last year, we had like 80 cases and I swear in almost every single case I would have sworn the accused/alleged criminals were innocent until hearing all of the evidence. And even then, it was really difficult for me to believe that someone could be so cold blooded as to steal, rape, murder, shoot children, stab someone, and so on. I guess I need to toughen up, stop being so naive.

for future victims, if someone dose you with accelerants. hold the mother !@#$ and take them with you.

same goes for lining up for being shot. run at them. if you and bunch of villagers are gonna be lined up to be shot.

These last last two posts make no sense to me, but indeed, if the news reports are true, this is all incredibly disturbing.

The minute that mfer starting spraying her she should have gouged out his fucking eyes. All it takes is two fingers. Gouge out his eyes and break his nose with an object, she was carrying groceries, a can or whatever. Then run like hell. This has me so angry. I am glad they got him on video. TO call this thing an animal is an insult to animals.

Rosita said:

The minute that mfer starting spraying her she should have gouged out his fucking eyes. All it takes is two fingers. Gouge out his eyes and break his nose with an object, she was carrying groceries, a can or whatever. Then run like hell. This has me so angry. I am glad they got him on video. TO call this thing an animal is an insult to animals.

She was 60 years old. NOT Chuck Norris. Come back to reality.

I agree, GOD. It always seems that in the aftermath of these terrible crimes someone will imply that the victim would still be alive if only he/she would have fought back. I'm sure she was paralyzed with fear - really, what in life mentally prepares one to be doused with flammables?

Should I edit this post title to reflect the current information?

I don't think there is a need to lock a thread unless the discussion devolves, but a new thread for donations sounds good. I'm happy to sticky it to the front page (or sticky this one with donation info included -up to you guys)

How this for F'd up: I saw the perp walking back and forth on my street(prospect place btwn Vanderbilt and Underhill) on Tuesday. I tried to say Hi, but he was clearly a paranoid schizophrenic with an aggressive bent. He was yelling at imaginary people and I actually thought to myself, "this guy is big and scary. I wouldn't want to be the person he goes off on."

So sad to hear that my premonition was accurate. I wish I'd been able to help in someway, but crazy people walking the streets is nothing new.

As HORRIBLE as this crime is, I also can't help but feel sad for this obviously deranged individual. What a tragedy.

... And yes, I spoke to 77th precinct detectives last night as soon as I saw the photos

Do not blame the victim.