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Man arrested for setting his pregnant wife on fire inside Crown Heights NYCHA building, police sources say

Police say 44-year-old Kenneth Rickenbacher is under arrest and facing charges for attempted murder and arson.

Jonathan Calixto

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Oct 26, 2026, 8:16 AM

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A 44-year-old man is facing multiple charges after police say he set a 38-year-old pregnant woman on fire inside a Crown Heights NYCHA apartment while her young daughter watched.

According to police, Kenneth Rickenbacher was arrested in connection with the disturbing attack and is charged with attempted murder, assault, arson, criminal mischief and acting in a manner injurious to a child younger than 17.

The incident happened just after 5 p.m. Saturday inside the Kingsborough Houses in Crown Heights.

Police said responding officers found a 38-year-old pregnant woman suffering from burns across multiple parts of her body. Investigators later determined that rubbing alcohol was used to ignite the fire while the woman's young daughter witness the horrific scene unfold, according to police sources.

Sources told News 12 that the victim is Rickenbacher’s wife.

The woman was rushed to a local hospital for treatment. Family members told News 12 that the victim remains in serious condition, though her unborn baby is stable.


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