Woman sentenced to 15 years to life for lighting deadly fire

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Nearly 2 years later, a Fresno household is getting closure pursuing the decease of their loved one, who died successful a occurrence successful April of 2023.

With heavy breaths and tears, Kim Bennett work done her interaction statement, reflecting connected the symptom she's felt since losing her brother.

"He volition ne'er get to bask my grandkids oregon look guardant to his. He volition ne'er marque memories with his son," said Eric Bennett's sister.

Eric Bennett, 59 years aged astatine the time, was unhoused and utilizing this culvert for structure erstwhile Felicia Quiroz acceptable it connected fire.

Investigators accidental Code Enforcement surveillance cameras captured the infinitesimal Quiroz utilized a lighter to commencement the occurrence and determined it was arson.

In tribunal Thursday morning, the justice sentenced Quiroz to 15 years to life.

A infinitesimal Kim and her household person been waiting for arsenic they reflected connected the antheral Eric was.

" He loved making radical laughter with his large consciousness of humor, sharing his benignant bosom to those helium loved. His friends and family. He had faults, but would beryllium the archetypal to assistance with what small helium had," said Kim.

Eric's begetter and different household members besides shared the challenges they've faced amid grief.

" What it's done to maine emotionally, erstwhile I spell to bed, I privation him backmost alive. I tin representation him connected fire, calling for help."

Eric's household yet forgiving Quiroz, turning to their religion for healing.

"It's precise hard, but Felicia, I forgive you," said Eric's father.

Quiroz work an apology missive to Eric's family, successful which she stated she didn't cognize helium was successful the culvert.

Her member said a fewer words expressing the symptom they consciousness arsenic well, and emphasized the request to code intelligence health.

"Look what happens," said Felicia's brother, "You guys request to recognize that intelligence wellness is real. I apologize to the family. Love you, sister."

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