Father charged with murder for car fire death of 3-year-old Queens girl

Martin Pereira and his daughter Zoey. Photo via Martin Pereira/Facebook.

By Jonathan Sperling

The father of a Rochdale girl who died after being found inside of a burning car was charged with murdering her, the NYPD said Friday.

Cops say Martin Pereira, 39, started the blaze that killed 3-year-old Zoey Pereira on May 5. He has been charged with murder, arson and reckless endangerment.

Police from the 113th Precinct and members of the FDNY discovered the car aflame on 154th Street and Baisley Boulevard after receiving a 911 call. After the fire was extinguished, Zoey was rushed to Jamaica Hospital, where she died. ABC reported that chains and propane cans were also found inside of the car.

Martin was found a short distance away, also burned, and taken to Jamaica Hospital in serious condition. He was still in the hospital when cops charged him on Friday.