BROOKLYN, NY — The Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office announced the sentencing of Matthew Karelefsky, a 46-year-old resident of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, to 25 years to life in prison. Karelefsky was convicted for his role in setting a fire that devastated the home of a Brooklyn rabbi and spread to two neighboring properties, resulting in injuries to six individuals.
District Attorney Eric Gonzalez highlighted the severity of Karelefsky’s actions, which not only destroyed the homes of several families but also endangered many lives. Fortunately, there were no life-threatening injuries reported. Karelefsky’s conviction includes charges of first-degree attempted murder, second-degree arson, six counts of second-degree assault, and two counts of fourth-degree arson, following a jury trial that concluded on February 7.
The incident occurred in the early hours of June 13, 2019, when a fire was intentionally set at the rabbi’s residence at 1492 East 17th Street in the Midwood section of Brooklyn. The blaze affected adjacent homes, forcing 13 residents to evacuate and causing injuries that ranged from smoke inhalation to physical bruising among the victims, which included a firefighter, two police officers, and a six-week-old infant.
Investigations revealed the use of an accelerant to ignite the fire, with evidence such as a Kingsford charcoal bag, charcoal, and items soaked in lighter fluid found at the scene. Video surveillance captured Karelefsky purchasing the materials used in the arson and showed him setting the fire. At the time of his arrest, Karelefsky was found wearing the same distinct shirt seen in surveillance footage and displayed a tattoo expressing his hatred towards the rabbi, further implicating him in the crime.