Cops: Teen starts fire killing stepdad, brothers

WEBSTER, N.Y. - Police say a 15-year-old boy poured gasoline throughout his upstate New York two-story home and set it ablaze, killing his adoptive father and two brothers.

Michael Pilato was charged Wednesday with second-degree murder and arson, hours after the early morning fire at his home in Webster, a Rochester suburb. The Rochester, New York's Democrat and Chronicle reported Pilato, a sophomore at Webster Schroeder High School, left after the fire was started and was not injured.

CBS affiliate WROC in Rochester added that according to court paperwork, the 15-year-old admitted he started the fire.

The Monroe County district attorney has asked that Pilato undergo a mental evaluation before being sent to a juvenile lockup. Pilato doesn't have a lawyer yet, and no plea was entered.

Police say Pilato poured the gas and set the house ablaze at around 1 a.m. They haven't discussed a motive.

His father, Carmen Pilato, and two younger brothers, Peter and Joshua, were killed. Neighbors say they believe all the children were adopted.

Mother Elaine Pilato and sister Elizabeth, 13, suffered minor injuries.

If convicted of murder as a juvenile offender, Pilato could receive a maximum prison term of 15 years to life, according to the Democrat and Chronicle. If he had been 16 or older on the time, the sentence carries a maximum prison term of 25 years to life.