Body Found in Chelsea Apartment Fire

Yesterday afternoon, firefighters put out a blaze at a 228 West 18th Street apartment, only to find the apartment's resident dead. His hands and feet were bound together, and the FDNY and NYPD suspect foul play. The victim is reported to be either in his 30s or 45, possibly an Israeli immigrant. The Post has neighbors who say he let his pet rabbit run in the halls and describe him as "creepy," though the Daily News has one neighbor call him "sweet" and "a gentleman." The victim frequented El Cocotero, a restaurant on the ground floor of the building, where he was known as being "good-natured."