Posted on March 18, 2021

Teens Charged with Murder, Accused of Intentionally Setting Man on Fire

Jane Flasch, WHAM, March 12, 2021

Two teenagers, ages 16 and 14, have been charged with second-degree murder after police say they intentionally lit a man on fire, causing his death.

Rochester Police were called to Lyell Avenue near Murray Street Friday. They say 53-year-old Steven Amenhauser had been doused in flammable liquid while sitting in a chair inside his apartment and was lit on fire. Bystanders tried to put out the fire, and first responders transported him to the University of Rochester Medical Center.

Steven Amenhauser

Steven Amenhauser

They say he suffered second- and third-degree burns over 70% of his body. He died from his injuries early Tuesday morning.

Zayvion Perry, 16, and 14-year-old Adriel Riley, Jr. have been charged with second-degree murder in Amenhauser’s death.

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Around 12:30 p.m. Friday, Umbrino said Amenhauser walked to a corner store and then went back to his residence.

About five minutes after his return, he came running out of his apartment, on fire.

Perry and Riley were reportedly found near the scene. Umbrino said they provided fake names and were eventually taken to the Public Safety Building. {snip}

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Perry was initially charged with first-degree assault and attempted arson, and Riley with second-degree arson and assault. Murder charges were filed after Amenhauser’s death Tuesday.

13WHAM News learned Tuesday that Riley had been released on another violent felony charge at the time of the Lyell Avenue incident.

Much of Riley’s previous arrest history has been sealed by Family Court because of his age. After being charged with armed robbery, he was released again – because of his age – and had failed to show up to court ever since.

The robbery occurred the night of Sept. 27 at a plaza on Chili Avenue in Gates. Police say three teenagers – one with a knife – robbed a man walking to his car after buying a pizza.

The victim was deaf and did not hear them coming.

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Riley was allegedly one of the teens. All three were said to still be at the scene when police arrived, and were reportedly arrested after a foot chase. Riley was charged with first-degree robbery.

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In December, Rochester Police say he was arrested in connection with an October robbery. He was given an appearance ticket.

On Jan. 30, Riley was arrested again – allegedly in a stolen car – outside of a car wash on Chili Avenue in Gates. Even with the former felony charge, it was not enough to hold him at the Children’s Detention Center.

Sources say he was a no-show at later court appearances. Now, there’s a new victim.

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