The Associated Press
WEBSTER, N.Y. — Police say a 15-year-old boy poured gasoline throughout his upstate New York home and set it ablaze, killing his adoptive father and two brothers.
Michael Pilato was charged Wednesday with second-degree murder and arson, hours after the fire at his home in Webster, a Rochester suburb. A judge entered a not guilty plea for him.
The Monroe County district attorney has asked that Pilato undergo a mental evaluation before being sent to a juvenile lockup. Pilato doesn’t have a lawyer yet.
Police say Pilato poured the fuel and set the fire at around 1 a.m. They haven’t discussed a motive.
Father Carmen Pilato and two younger brothers, Peter and Joshua, were killed. Neighbors say they believe all the children were adopted.
Mother Elaine Pilato and sister Elizabeth suffered minor injuries.