Prosecutors say a Brooklyn man doused a pregnant woman with rubbing alcohol and set her on fire as the couple’s 11-year-old daughter watched.
Story Highlights
- Police say the attack happened inside the Kingsborough Houses around 5 p.m. on October 24.
- Officers found the 38-year-old woman with severe burns and sent her to a burn unit.
- Prosecutors charged a 44-year-old man with attempted murder, arson, assault, and child endangerment.
- The child told police her father also threatened them with a knife, according to court records.
What Police and Prosecutors Say Happened
Brooklyn prosecutors charged 44-year-old Kenneth Rickenbacker after an attack inside the Kingsborough Houses in Crown Heights around 5 p.m. on October 24, 2026. Reports say he poured rubbing alcohol on a 38-year-old pregnant woman and lit her on fire in front of their 11-year-old daughter. Police sources identified the alcohol as the accelerant. The daughter told police that Rickenbacker also threatened her and her mother with a knife, according to court documents.
Responding officers found the woman with serious burns to her face, hands, shoulders, and back. Medics moved her to a burn unit at Weill Cornell for treatment. One outlet reported she was placed in a medically induced coma due to the severity of her injuries. The injuries described are consistent with exposure to an ignitable liquid and flame. Police said rubbing alcohol started the fire, which is a common household product that can burn quickly once lit.
Arrest, Charges, and Custody Status
Police arrested Rickenbacker after he walked into a precinct to make a report and officers recognized him from the case, according to sources. Prosecutors charged him with attempted murder, arson, assault, and endangering the welfare of a child. A separate report listed a charge for weapons possession related to the knife threat. He was taken to Brooklyn Criminal Court for arraignment. Reports indicate he was held without bail given the alleged conduct and the risk to the child and mother.
Initial news accounts described the relationship in different ways, including wife, girlfriend, or ex-girlfriend. Those terms do not change the core charges tied to the fire and the alleged knife threat. Early reporting often relies on police and court sources as facts are still being organized. Prosecutors will present more details in court, including medical records, fire scene findings, and any statements. Defense counsel will be able to contest the charges during the case.
Why This Case Hits Home for Families and Communities
Domestic violence cases like this one often expose children to danger and trauma. Research shows that when kids witness violence between adults at home, they face higher risks of harm themselves. One review found a strong overlap between seeing partner violence and later maltreatment. That pattern shapes how child interviews are done and why trained forensic interviewers follow careful steps to protect accuracy and the child’s well-being during questioning. These steps matter for both truth and justice.
A 44-year-old man has been placed under arrest 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 has been charged with attempted murder, assault, arson,… pic.twitter.com/dbHNNY4CmC
— Crime In NYC (@Crime_In_NYC) October 26, 2026
The alleged attack also raises basic questions about safety in public housing, access to mental health help, and swift protection for victims. People across the political spectrum see a system that often reacts after the worst has already happened. Stronger prevention, faster family support, and steady follow-through in court can save lives. This case will now move through the courts, where evidence about the accelerant, injuries, and threats will be tested under law.
Sources:
nypost.com, nydailynews.com, x.com, bronxda.nyc.gov
