Soundview man murders roommate and sets apartment on fire

By Jason Cohen Posted on July 14, 2021

The NYPD is looking for two men who robbed a man of $120,000 of jewelry at gunpoint this month.

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A Soundview resident allegedly set his apartment ablaze last week and killed his roommate.

According to the NYPD, on July 10, at 2: 15 p.m., police responded to a call of a fire inside 1211 Manor Ave., Apartment 2. Upon arrival, FDNY personnel extinguished the fire and found Curtis Austin, 71, lying unconscious and unresponsive with three stab wounds to his neck.

EMS transported him to Jacobi Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The investigation revealed that his roommate, Xavier Almonte, 28, allegedly set the fire and killed him. Almonte was charged with murder, manslaughter and arson.

Reach Jason Cohen at jcohen@schnepsmedia.com or (718) 260-4598. For more coverage, follow us on Twitter @bxtimes and Facebook @bxtimes.

About the Author

Jason Cohen

Jason Cohen is a contributing reporter for the Bronx Times. Originally from New Jersey, he moved to the Bronx five years ago. Jason has been a reporter for about 14 years and loves what he does. In particular, he enjoys covering meetings, events, writing features and informing the public about news. He also has a passion for sports and anything with controversy, and his other interests include watching movies and going to the beach. When he isn’t reporting or writing, Jason spends his weekends working at a bagel shop. And, yes, he’s also a Mets fan. So, “Sorry Bronxites.”