Suspect in Astoria slashing spree charged with murder

A man accused of fatally stabbing a man, slashing another’s face and burning a third victim before being shot by police himself in Queens was arraigned from his hospital bed last week.

James Dillon, 23, faces a number of charges, including a single count of second degree murder, DNAInfo reported.

Officers responded to a reported assault around 11:30 a.m. on March 6 near 25-69 36th St., finding a 39-year-old man who was slashed in the head and face, according to police.

Another call came in at 3:09, again reporting an assault, this time near 38-18 Astoria Blvd. There, police said they determined Dillon was also responsible for stabbing a 55-year-old man and burning a 61-year-old found at the scene.

Dillon was later found by two officers walking near his home on 36th Street. He was shot by police after allegedly spraying them with accelerant and burning their hands.

Police told DNAInfo that they continue to investigate the spree and that more charges may be filed.