A jury found a Bronx building's former owner and its current owner guilty of criminally negligent homicide and reckless endangerment for a 2005 apartment fire. The apartment had been subdivided, creating a fatal warren for firefighters to navigate; six firefighters ended up jumping out of a 6th floor window, with two, Lt. Curtis Meyran and firefighter John Bellew (pictured), falling to their deaths. A firefighter told NY1, "We were very satisfied today with this decision from this jury here. It's not a reason to celebrate in any way, it doesn't bring John or Curt back. We're still very disappointed with the decision from Friday. All I can think is that jury made a very dangerous job that much more dangerous with their decision," in reference to last week's not guilty verdict for the tenants who subdivided their spaces.
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2025. Donate today