Man arraigned in deadly Schenectady fireBy Paul Nelson
Updated 11:49 am, Friday, May 3, 2013
Schenectady
A Saratoga Springs man was arraigned Friday on a charge of felony arson for starting the fire that killed a man and his three children Thursday in Hamilton Hill.
Robert Butler, 27, appeared before City Court Judge Matthew Sypniewski during the brief proceeding. At one point, Butler, who was represented by the public defender's office, turned around and stared into the crowded gallery as the judge addressed him.
Butler's arraignment came hours after police charged him with the crime.
David Terry, a 32-year-old stay-at-home father, Layah Terry, 3; Michael Terry, 2; and Donavan Duell, 11 months, all died in the fast-moving pre-dawn fire Thursday.
Terry's 5-year-old daughter, Safyre, was listed in critical condition with severe burns Thursday at Westchester Medical Center, police said.
Court papers indicate Butler started the fire "using a form of liquid accelerant" in the front staircase leading to the second-floor apartment of 438 Hulett St. Two adults on the second floor and nine tenants on the first floor escaped.
He was sent back to the county jail without bail pending a court appearance at 10 a.m. Tuesday.
City police spokesman Lt. Mark McCracken said Friday that Butler is known to the residents of the building.
Outside court, Jeff Woodbeck, the children's maternal grandfather, reacted to what he felt was Butler's seemingly nonchalant attitude in court.
"It made me angry, he should have at least shown he had some kind of remorse, but he didn't," said Woodbeck, 45."If he's guilty, he should be locked up for the rest of his life for what he did to my grandkids."
Woodbeck's daughter, Jennica Duell, is the mother of the four children. Woodbeck said he is estranged from Duell.
McCracken said police are awaiting the results of the autopsies before deciding on what other criminal charges Butler will face.
Elizabeth Dolder, Terry's older sister, said Friday morning that until recently Butler lived in the Hulett Street apartment. She said Terry kicked Butler out.
Terry's best friend, William Rankin, confirmed that account.
"He was very violent toward Jennica, and David did not tolerate that," Rankin said. "He didn't want violence around the kids." She was interviewed by city police detectives and released, authorities said.
Rankin is organizing a gathering and birthday observance in his friend's memory at 9 p.m. Friday outside 438 Hulett St. David Terry would have turned 33 years old Friday.
A team of county and federal fire investigators remained at the scene Friday sifting through debris for clues that may help determine the cause and origin of the fire. Once they're done, the structure will be demolished.
pnelson@timesunion.com • 518-454-5347 • @apaulnelson
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