Verdict is in – in 2001 Southwest Supermarket LODD

The verdict is in, in the arson and murder case against 27 year old Christopher Benitez, accused of setting the fire that claimed the life of Phoenix firefighter Brett Tarver in March 2001.

Jury Returns Verdict in Benitez Trial: MyFoxPHOENIX.com

Benitez was acquited of murder, but convicted of negligent homicide and two counts of arson.

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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