Posted on 02/26/2004 8:19:26 AM PST by Born Conservative
Man charged with setting fatal fire
By Robert Kalinowski , Citizens' Voice Staff Writer 02/26/2004
"I definitely drink too much," said John J. Michaels at his arraignment on charges that he started Friday's fire at a Pittston apartment complex that killed a woman.
Michaels told police he drank a 12-pack of beer and was "very drunk" just hours before he set newspapers on fire and tossed them through a window and onto a couch at 5 E. Columbus Ave., according to the affidavit of probable cause.
Loretta Zampetti, 45, an occupant of the apartment building, died as a result of the fire, due to carbon monoxide inhalation.
Her death has been ruled a homicide.
Michaels, 49, of 161 S. Main St., Pittston, told police he used to reside in the complex, but was evicted on Dec. 31, 2003.
He allegedly told police he started the fire because he wanted to get even with the landlord Anthony (Tony) Zambetti.
Michaels told police he was at a friend's house, who resides in the complex, the evening before he set the fire. He said he consumed about a 12-pack of Natural Light beer on an empty stomach and got "very drunk," according to arrest papers.
He told authorities his friend went to sleep at about 11 p.m., so he went to lie down on the couch. "While I was on the couch, I was thinking about getting even with Tony," Michaels allegedly told police.
At that time, Michaels left his friend's apartment and walked to the back of the building. He then looked in the windows of his old apartment, he allegedly told police.
"I saw some newspapers on a stoop by the window. That's when I decided I was going to set the apartment on fire," Michaels told police in a written statement.
Michaels said he couldn't see anybody in the apartment at the time. Michael's allegedly went back to his friend's house and laid down on the couch.
"About 15 minutes later, Jeff woke up, kicked the couch I was lying on and said 'Get your (expletive) and get out the place is on fire,'" the affidavit said.
He claimed to run across the street just as police, fire and ambulance crews were arriving. At that time, he said he got a 12-pack of beer and went to another person's house, according to police.
"I didn't tell anyone what I did. I didn't mean to hurt anyone, just to get even with the landlord," he allegedly told police.
State police conducted an investigation and said Michaels' statements as to the cause of the fire were consistent with the fire marshal's findings.
Also involved with the arrest were Pittston City police and the Luzerne County district attorney's office.
Michaels was charged with second-degree murder, arson resulting in the death or injury of another, arson endangering property, criminal mischief and recklessly endangering another person.
He was sent to the Luzerne County Correctional Facility without bail.
His hearing is set for March 5 at 1:30 p.m. before District Justice Fred Pierantoni III, Pittston.
The difference is that this guy burned down someone else's house, and in the process, murdered someone.
"I ain't drunk; I'm just drinkin'"
Let me see if I have this right. He isn't responsible for murder and arson because he was drunk.
Furthermore, we need compassion and understanding for drunks, because alcoholism is a disease. On the otherhand, smokers do not have a disease, they have a nasty dirty habit and are too weak-willed to handle their addiction. Do I have this right?
Furthermore, we need compassion and understanding for drunks, because alcoholism is a disease. On the otherhand, smokers do not have a disease, they have a nasty dirty habit and are too weak-willed to handle their addiction. Do I have this right?
Yep...that's right. Remember, he's POWERLESS over his "disease".
At least that's what the official "line" they're tryin' to feed everyone says.
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