AKRON, Ohio — The second of two Akron men who pleaded guilty to causing a house fire that injured two firefighters received sentence on Monday.
Summit County Common Pleas Court Judge Jennifer Towell sentenced 69-year-old Stanley Winchester to four to six years in prison after he pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated arson and felonious assault last year.
The fire happened on Aug. 15, 2022, at a home on Winton Avenue near Vernon Odom Boulevard in Akron. The firefighters were hurt after officials say the home exploded.
According to Summit County Prosecutor Elliott Kolkvoich, investigators discovered gas cannisters purchased by Winchester and co-defendant Timothy Christian. Additionally, Christian lived at the Winton Avenue home.
"I hate that I got mixed up in anything like that," Winchester told the families of the firefighters during his sentencing. "Forgive me, please."
Last month, Towell sentenced Christian to 22-26 years in prison after he pled guilty to several charges, including aggravated arson, conspiracy and four counts of felonious assault. In addition to the prison sentence, Christian and Winchester were ordered to pay just over $42,000 to be paid to the Akron Fire Department's Fire Investigation Bureau.
“Two firefighters suffered significant injuries because Timothy Christian directed Stanley Winchester to set fire to his home. I’m pleased to know the public is safer with him behind bars for a long time,” said Kolkovich after Christian was sentenced. “My heart goes out to the injured firefighters who put their lives on the line while trying to save others.”