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September 28, 2006

Station fire sentencing: Counting up victim impact statements

WARWICK -- At least 28 requests to read victim impact statements at the sentencing hearing tomorrow for the co-owners of The Station nightclub have been submitted before today's deadline.

The statements are due to precede the expected pleas of no contest by brothers Michael and Jeffrey Derderian to involuntary manslaughter charges stemming from the disastrous fire at the West Warwick club in February 2003 that killed 100 people.

The fire, and the resulting case, has drawn national attention, and the new Kent County Courthouse is expected to be packed tomorrow with press and spectators.

But before the Derderians submit their change of pleas, and Judge Francis J. Darigan Jr. hands down their sentences, family and friends of victims have their opportunity to be heard. Most will actually speak in court. Others have submitted written statements.

The court anticipates completing the hearing tomorrow. While the court day normally ends around 4 p.m., it is possible that Darigan will go later. If necessary, the hearing will continue to Tuesday.

Word of the plea agreement was leaked last week, inciting a controversy over the proposed sentences for the brothers.

Michael A. Derderian, 45, is to serve 4 years in prison followed by 3 years of probation and an 11-year suspended sentence. Jeffrey Derderian, 39, is to receive a 10-year suspended sentence, 3 years of probation and 500 hours of community service.

Projo.com will provide continuous, live reports of the event, starting after 7 a.m. tomorrow and until proceedings end for the day. Coverage will include blog updates from the courthouse, a live video stream, photos and more.

The proceedings are also expected to be broadcast by Court TV (Channel 71 on Cox Cable), and local outlets.

-- With reports from Journal staff writer Paul Edward Parker

Posted by Andrea Panciera  at 7:05 PM | Permalink

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