Suspect in New Square Arson Attack Now Facing Murder Charge

New Square — Ramapo police have upgraded the charges against the suspect believed to have attacked a Truman Avenue man early Sunday morning after trying to burn down his home.

Shaul Spitzer, 18, of nearby Adams Lane, now faces charges of first-degree arson and second-degree attempted murder, both felonies. He had previously been charged with felony counts of first-degree attempted arson and first-degree assault.

Police said Spitzer was responsible in the arson attack that left Aron Rottenberg, 43, with third-degree burns to 50 percent of his body.

Rottenberg was taken to Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla and remains there in serious condition. He is expected to survive his injuries, police said today.

Rottenberg's family say they have been the target of violence and protests in the Hasidic enclave because Rottenberg worships at the Friedwald Center, rather than the community's main synagogue.

But at a press conference at 2:30 p.m. today Ramapo Supervisor Christopher St. Lawrence said he had spoken with New Square Deputy Mayor Israel Spitzer and had been assured that Sunday's attack was the result of a private dispute between the two men and not a campaign of retribution.

Rottenberg's family has strongly disputed that conclusion.

Police said they are continuing to investigate and released only a few additional details, some of them grisly.

When police arrived at Rottenberg's home on Sunday at 4:12 a.m. they found him sitting on the front steps of his home so badly burned smoke was rising from his body.

Rottenberg's son also suffered burns on his fingers after trying to put out the flames.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• New Square
• Arson
• Attack
• Shaul Spitzer
• Aron Rottenberg
• synagogue
• Ramapo
• Police
• Hasidic
• Chasidic
• Skver

[capodivino]

fucking jews all the world wars are because of them kill them for once and for all

[trulymadnow]

@lonishar The Rabbi did condemn the attack.

[zetticat]

I am not a Jew and maybe that's why i don't get it. But why would it upset the Rebbe so much if someone prays in another synagogue? Is it a loyalty thing? I mean it's not like the guy prayed in a church.

[funzo24]

Wow that's an awkward situation that's like saying COME EAT WITH ME OR I'LL KILL YOU. you cant go sit with them cause you know they could have killed you...

[zadikko]

Now they have to pay $18,000,000.00 to Rottenberg........wow!......th­is is hilarious!!!

[lonishar]

He say's orthodox Judaism is not about violence, and I agree it's not but it is about being close minded and following what the rabbi says or wants. and you see the community here supports the rabbi instead of being against this madness. I wonder what the rabbi said. did he condemn the attack?

[Shlechta]

New square mafia!!!