The warnings were there. Now Brooklyn wants answers after deadly building collapse

The Brooklyn D.A. now launching a joint investigation with the Department of Buildings to find out what happened and who to hold accountable. News 12's Mike Lamour brings us the latest details tonight. It was a loud crash and a gut-wrenching sight as this Flatbush building came crumbling down, killing eight, including two children. But tonight, there's silence. No longer a crowd of neighbors standing by with knots in their stomachs. No dump trucks hauling debris. The scene, now frozen in time. The city, however, launching a sweeping investigation with possible criminal charges to whoever is responsible. Right now, I have... Full confidence in Eric Gonzalez and his office to engage in a full and thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding this tragedy. It's up to investigators to decide who is to blame. Public Advocate Jumaane Williams says not only is the construction site under a microscope, but also the building's owner, Lufemi Fallad. This has to be a lesson for the rest of this city. We cannot go through this again. Fallad was jailed for 12 days in 2006 for not fixing his buildings. Currently on the public advocate's worst landlord's list, with nearly 100 open building violations. Last night, our Natalie Hernandez uncovered these disturbing images at the property. This photo shows cracks in the north wall of 1321 Flatbush Avenue, eight months before it collapsed. A pre-construction survey filed with the Department of Buildings rated that wall in poor condition. The DOB issued a stop work order, but next door, crews kept digging. On March 20th, city inspectors found crews tearing down the old building without enough overhead protection for the building next door. When inspectors returned a month later, they found demolition had resumed despite that order and issued a second violation. By May 8th, the DOB says the safety problems were fixed and lifted the stop work order. The excavation being done when this building collapsed was permitted, according to DOB. But the work being done and the building's owner remain at the center of the investigation. If you have multiple negligence, both on the owner's side and on the construction side, there definitely should be a criminal investigation. And tonight, Attorney General Letitia James says she will step in to help the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office prosecute this case. It's a small step in a longer battle towards justice for this community. That's the latest in Flatbush, Brooklyn. Mike Lamorte, News 12.