Posted on 01/26/2007 1:43:43 PM PST by Palladin
NEWARK, N.J. - Two former roommates who set a dormitory fire that killed three students at Seton Hall University were sentenced Friday to five years in prison.
A plea bargain spared Joseph T. LePore and Sean Ryan, both 26, from facing more than 30 years in prison if they had been convicted in a trial. They could be eligible for parole in 16 months.
LePore and Ryan, who said the fire seven years ago resulted from "a prank that got out of hand," apologized to the victims' families.
"There's nothing I can really say to take away your pain," LePore said.
"I want you to know I am very, very sorry for your losses," Ryan said. "I hope you can move on."
Alvaro Llanos, a student horribly burned in the blaze, and Frank Caltabilota Sr., the father of one of those who died, said that at this point, no apology would be good enough.
"I can't see myself ever forgiving these two kids for starting this fire," Llanos wrote in a letter that was read in court. "They should have been man enough to bang on doors and save everyone's life. Instead, they ran away like the cowards they are."
In pleading guilty to arson in November, LePore and Ryan said they set a paper banner on fire in a third-floor lounge around 4:30 a.m. on Jan. 19, 2000. The flames spread to a couch. The fire was largely confined to the lounge, but smoke spread throughout the six-story dorm, which lacked sprinklers.
Dozens were injured and 18-year-old freshmen Frank Caltabilota Jr., John Giunta and Aaron Karol were overcome by smoke and died.
The elder Caltabilota said his family could have forgiven the defendants had they quickly taken responsibility.
"Eventually, your judgment day will come from the highest court," he said. "You will see a jury consisting of Frankie, Aaron and John. On that day, justice will be done."
In addition to arson, LePore and Ryan pleaded guilty to witness tampering for telling some friends to lie to authorities. As part of the plea deal, prosecutors dropped charges against LePore's parents, sister and friend that included hindering apprehension.
Essex County Prosecutor Paula T. Dow has acknowledged her case depended on circumstantial evidence, noting in November, "We had no eyewitnesses, other than the defendants themselves, who could place the defendants at that location."
Defense lawyers have said the arson pleas, which take no responsibility for the deaths or injuries, were appropriate because the school did not have adequate systems to prevent the blaze from spreading.
The university, however, said it was in compliance with existing fire codes, and that it was not unusual for a building built in 1952 not to have sprinklers.
The fire led New Jersey to enact the nation's first law requiring sprinklers in dormitories at colleges and boarding schools.
Life is cheap nowadays. Three young lives gone forever. These two heartless cowardly punks got off light.
What a travesty of justice!
That's awfully light for killing three people.
They did get off easy. But NJ is such a corrupt state.
Maybe the two "pranksters" are related to the Sopranos.
Damn, what a messed up court system we have here in the US. 5 years for killing 3 people?
Also heard this morning that they will be confined to a juvenile facility.
"... confined to a juvenile facility."
Yes? How is that possible?
NJ is corrupt but people here in NJ are pstttt about the light sentences these morons got.
Defense lawyers have said the arson pleas, which take no responsibility for the deaths or injuries, were appropriate because the school did not have adequate systems to prevent the blaze from spreading.
Why didn't they put the sprinkler systems in before this? It costs quite a bit to go to college and Seton Hall certainly is not a cheap college.
The university, however, said it was in compliance with existing fire codes, and that it was not unusual for a building built in 1952 not to have sprinklers.
The fire led New Jersey to enact the nation's first law requiring sprinklers in dormitories at colleges and boarding schools.
At least they have done something ...... Prayers for the all the victims and their families. And a prayer that NJ stops being so corrupt. ~~Pandora~~
He should have been given another 10 years just for that statement alone.
The Judge named the two defendents when he began. Joseph LePore and Sean Ryan.
He referred to Sean Penn.
No one said a word. I heard it tho!
This was a case that defied logic. They should have been tried for MURDER.
These animals simply blamed the school for their own craven behaviour.
If it were truly an accident they should have warned everyone to get out. Some victims died of smoke inhalation while these scum ran away.
I know...I just wish more buildings were updated. I feel so very badly for these kids and their families. It is so unjust that these jerks get off like this....They have no clue how the victims and their families suffered.....Prayers for all. ~~Pandora~~
Self centered ba$tard$ who will be in trouble again once they are released.
Be interesting to see if they stay out of trouble in custody.
They can get out in 16 months.
NJ recently released a murderer who was originally sentenced to death, then commuted to life in prison without parole. He wound up working in the cafeteria in a high school in my county.
They agreed to the plea deal because they were afraid there would be a not guilty verdict.
In NJ they had reason to fear that verdict. There is no justice here.
Article in the Ledger today. Corzine recommended the Turnpike Authority hire one Rocco Ricci. Just happened to be Karla Katz' brother in law. It stank so badly they had to ask ole Rocco to resign.
Shaking my head..... It never ends.... Did you know NJ has a Commodore Barry Day? I sure didn't but I saw it on another thread. I don't understand why we would because Commodore Barry lived in Philly. I wonder if the state employee's get off?
I watched the sentencing on the news tonight. It was indeed heartbreaking to hear the remarks of the victims' families.
One young man was going to be a pediatrician. His father said now all he has is a cold tombstone to visit; his mother said she would never be able to kiss her son again.
I hope the two perps have a bad time of it in prison, but I doubt it. If they have the "connections" which I suspect, they will be eating steak and getting their usual fix of drugs.
What punks!
Sure, for a first offense such as jay walking or littering, but a crime that resulted in the deaths of three students and the serious injuries to 58 others?
There is a Victim Law Center who has stated they will help the families when it comes time for parole hearings.
Keeping in mind, this is NJ, I doubt there will be any jailtime beyond the 16 months.
If they went out and shot three people on the street, and it was a first offense, would they still get such a lenient sentence?
The kids who died a slow horrible death didn't get any leniency.
There is no justice in NJ
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