MINEOLA, N.Y. – Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas announced that a homeless man pled guilty today to attempted murder for a September 2017 incident in which he started a fire next to the legs of an acquaintance in Glen Cove causing burns so severe that the man’s legs were amputated.
German Umanzor, 38, pled guilty before Supervising Judge Teresa Corrigan to Attempted Murder in the Second Degree. He is expected to be sentenced to 17 years in prison on November 13.
“Setting fire to a sleeping man is a horrific crime, and today’s plea ensures this defendant will pay a heavy price for his conduct,” DA Singas said “The burns caused by German Umanzor’s depravity required the amputation of the victim’s legs, and it is a miracle that he survived. We continue to pray for the victim’s recovery, and hope that today’s plea provides some comfort.”
DA Singas said on September 12, 2017, at approximately 6:00 pm, the victim, a homeless man, was sleeping on the ground in a wooded area near the Glen Cove train station when the defendant, also homeless, intentionally started a fire next to his legs by using a lighter and dry leaves. Following the incident, another acquaintance called 911, and when Glen Cove Police officials responded to the scene, the victim was found with severe burns to both of his legs. The two men had gotten into an argument earlier in the day.
After being transported to Nassau University Medical Center, doctors determined the burns were so severe that it was necessary to amputate the victim’s legs. He continues to recover from his injuries.
Following an investigation, the defendant was arrested by members of the Glen Cove Police Department on October 18, 2017.
Senior Assistant District Attorney Stefanie Palma of DA Singas’ Major Offense Bureau is prosecuting this case. Dana Grossblatt, Esq. represents the defendant.
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