The third defendant for the Deutsche Bank fire trial was found not guilty of manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide today. Michael Alvo was the third and final defendant to be acquitted of charges related to the tragedy that took the lives of two firefighters trying to put out the 2008 seven-alarm fire.
The Deutsche Bank building was being dismantled (it was damaged from the 9/11 attacks) when one of the construction workers' lit cigarette ignited a blaze. Firefighters were unable to put out the fire because a huge chunk of the standpipe had been removed. Alvo, the abatement director, was charged in 2008 and was relieved by the verdict, "It's been a rough time. I just want to get on with my life and make a living again."
Justice Rena Uviller delivered the good news to Alvo, but she still found Alvo's employer, the questionable construction contractor, John Galt Corp, guilty of reckless endangerment, which would mean a $5,000 fine.
Last week, another Galt employee, Salvatore DePaola, and one from Bovis Lend Lease, Jeffrey Melofchik, were acquitted of charges.
