A homeless man trapped inside his van and burned is recovering at Stony Brook University Medical Center in critical, but stable condition.

Police say the victim, 58-year-old Steven Walter Caulo, sustained burns to about 45 percent of his body in the Sunday morning fire. According to police, Caulo may have been beaten up before the fire was set.

According to Caulo's son, the victim chose the type of life he led. Caulo lived in his van behind a Mastic Laundromat. Residents who frequent Laundry Experience describe Caulo as kind and well-liked. Caulo's son says the former chef also has an ex-wife and a daughter.

Related Information Homeless man set ablaze in van behind Mastic business