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« Photo: Gere takes the stage at the State House | Today | Governor has a plan to close the $150 million deficit » January 16, 2008Update: Michael Derderian to be paroled in October 2009PROVIDENCE -- Michael Derderian, who pleaded no contest in the 100 Station nightclub fire deaths, will be released on parole in October 2009, about three-quarters of the way into his four-year sentence, the state Parole Board decided today. Though the club co-owner was eligible for parole consideration after serving a third of his sentence, the board decided Derderian will be paroled after serving 37 months "with appropriate counseling." Last week, 19 people -- some of them parents holding photos of their children, who were concert-goers lost in the blaze -- told the board they opposed Derderian getting early release. Derderian became eligible for parole after serving 16 months. He began serving time on Sept. 29, 2006, after he and his brother, Jeffrey, pleaded no contest to 100 counts of involuntary manslaughter. Jeffrey Derderian did not have to serve prison time under his plea agreement; he was sentenced to community service. "The board took into consideration the testimony of the victims, both opposed and in favor of his release, the impact this crime has had on the community, his overall institutional adjustment as well as his low risk to reoffend and minimal risk to public safety," said an e-mailed statement issued on behalf of the board. "Due to the enormity of the loss and trauma suffered by many, the Board deliberately did not set another parole reconsideration date, but voted to release Mr. Derderain close to the expiration of his sentence. One member of the board dissented. Lt. Thomas Verdi, a veteran of the Providence Police Department, supported Derderian finishing his sentence without parole. It was not clear at this writing how many parole board members voted on Derderian's parole, and whether any were absent. The board was continuing to meet today on other parole matters. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with Journal archival reports On Feb. 20, 2003, Daniel Biechele, who was tour manager for hard-rock band Great White, set off pyrotechnics that set afire flammable foam the Derderians had put on the walls of the West Warwick club as soundproofing. The building burned to the ground in minutes. Biechele is slated to be put on parole in March after serving part of a four-year sentence. He pleaded guilty to illegally lighting the pyrotechnics. More than 460 people were in the club the night of Feb. 20, far more than any of the allowable capacities for the building set out in town documents. It was one of the worst nightclub fires in the nation's history. Extra: Full coverage of The Station fire and its aftermath . Posted by Mike McKinney CommentsD | January 16, 2008 11:12 PM link Sounds appropriate to me!! Mack Mann | January 16, 2008 11:31 PM link Yet the people truly responsible for the disaster will never serve a day. I understand that we need shield for civil servants, but in cases of gross misconduct they should be open to full prosecution. Tony P | January 16, 2008 11:32 PM link Post a commentPlease be civil. Vicious comments, personal attacks and profanity won't be published. Name and email are required; email address will not publish. |
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ProJo 9 to 5 News Blog
Oct 2005 - March 2006
Once again the friends and family hurt by those responsible for such a horrific tragedy get punched in the gut by those who are supposed to support and back their community. Glad I was there that night as a rescuer and was of help. Glad I got out of that god foresaken state that only cares about itself. Friends and family... STAY STRONG!!! Someday these irresponsible people will have their real judgement day.