Bronx man accused of arson in Mott Haven fire that killed 3 people
Police say Daniel Santana was apprehended Monday evening.
More Stories
Police have accused a 45-year-old Bronx man of setting a fire in Mott Haven that killed three people.
Daniel Santana, of Unionport, is also facing arson, along with three murder charges. Police say he was apprehended Monday evening.
On May 6, firefighters responded to a fire on the first floor of a deli on 2592 3rd Ave around 5 a.m. The fire quickly spread to the apartments on the second floor.
Two people were found dead in the debris. A third person was later found. One of those victims has been identified as 70-year-old Oreste Deleon, who lived in the building. The other two victims have not been identified.
Before the fire, there were 17 open Department of Buildings violations dating back to 1993 and January 2025. The building, located at 2592 3rd Ave., has now been demolished.
"Even if it was a fight or arguing with other people, that doesn't mean you set a fire and burn the building property or even kill people," said Camara Ebrima, of Mott Haven. "That's unbelievable."
Investigators are still looking into a possible motive behind the arson.
