Suspect Indicted For Attempted Murder In Burning Of New Square Man Aron Rottenberg
NEW SQUARE, NY (CBSNewYork/AP) -- An 18-year-old student from a Hasidic enclave in Rockland County has been indicted on charges stemming from a fiery attack on a religious dissident.
The Rockland County district attorney says a grand jury brought charges of attempted murder, attempted arson and assault against Shaul Spitzer of New Square.
Police say on May 22, Aron Rottenberg was severely burned when Spitzer tried to burn down Rottenberg's home.
Rottenberg's family has alleged that the attack was directed by Grand Rebbe David Twersky.
Rottenberg is a dissident in the New Square Hasidic community that values conformity. Rottenberg says Twersky was angered by his decision to worship at a synagogue other than the main one in New Square.
Rottenburg said that's when a campaign of harassment ensued that culminated with the arson attack.
Spitzer's defense attorney has denied the charges. Twersky has decried the attack.
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