Charges filed in Bronx blaze that killed two firefighters

Three Bronx men and the corporation that owns an apartment building have been charged in the 2005 death of two NYC firefighters. Rafael Castillo, Caridad Coste and Cesar Rios face counts of second-degree

News 12 Staff

Mar 30, 2006, 12:31 AM

Updated 6,766 days ago

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Three Bronx men and the corporation that owns an apartment building have been charged in the 2005 death of two NYC firefighters.
Rafael Castillo, Caridad Coste and Cesar Rios face counts of second-degree manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide and reckless endangerment. Firefighter John Bellew and Lieutenant Curtis Meyran jumped to their deaths from the fourth floor of a burning Bronx apartment building on January 23, 2005. Prosecutors claim the suspects? actions led to the deaths. Castillo allegedly overloaded an electrical outlet, which sparked the fire. Authorities say Coste leased the apartment that the firefighters jumped from and Rios owned the building. Officials say the apartment was illegally divided with extra walls to make more bedrooms.
Castillo pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Wednesday. He is expected in court again March 31.