Toddler dies in Springfield Gardens car fire

The Associated Press

A toddler in Springfield Gardens died Sunday after her father set the vehicle she was sitting in on fire, according to the NYPD.

Police from the 113th Precinct were called around 9 p.m. Sunday to a car fire near the intersection of Baisley Boulevard and 154th Street.

Police say the 3-year-old girl was found in the car in critical condition. She was taken to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Officers also found a man nearby with injuries from burns and took him into custody. Investigators told members of the media on Monday that they believed the incident to be a homicide.

ABC reported that chains were also found in the car.

Additional reporting by Jonathan Sperling