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Fire investigators suspect arson in a blaze that tore through a three-story building this week, killing three people including a makeup artist for the Oscar-nominated film "Maria Full of Grace."
At least five other people were hospitalized and six firefighters suffered minor injuries in the Sunday morning fire in the Middle Village section of Queens that sent building occupants leaping from windows with hair and clothes ablaze.
Flor Sandoval, 48, a native of Bogota, Colombia, who worked on the 2004 Colombian film, died at a hospital along with her son, Felipe Garcia, 20. Her husband, Heriberto Garcia, 68, died at the scene. Another son, Daniel Garcia, survived.
The critically acclaimed film tells the story of a young Colombian woman's journey to New York as a drug mule.
"We remember her fondly, especially for her kindness and generosity, and are deeply saddened by her tragic death," said Paul Mezey, producer of "Maria Full of Grace." The blaze remains under investigation, with the deaths now classified as homicides, said Assistant Chief Fire Marshal William Law.
Investigators hope to interview William Salazar and Agnes Bermudez, who survived the fire after fleeing to the deli. The owner doused their burning bodies with water and they were hospitalized in critical condition.
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