Two individuals, Andrew Eknaty and Carleigh West, have been sentenced to 60 years and 20 days in prison, with 36 years suspended, for starting a 2017 fire that killed three people in an Anchorage apartment complex. The defendants initially faced second-degree murder charges but pleaded guilty to manslaughter and assault charges. The tragic incident occurred after Eknaty and West drove drunk, evaded police, and set fire to the car they were driving in a carport, causing residents to jump from second-floor windows. The victims, Vivian Hall, Laura Kramer, and Teuaililo Nua, suffered devastating consequences, with Nua and Hall losing their lives. The judge recognized the community condemnation of Eknaty and West’s actions and noted the trauma experienced by the victims. Following their prison terms, both individuals will serve 10 years on supervised felony probation. This incident left many residents displaced and further highlighted the dangers of reckless behavior. The sentencing serves as a reminder of the severe consequences of criminal actions and the importance of accountability in such tragic events.
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Photo credit alaskapublic.org
Two individuals responsible for deadly Royal Suite Lodge fire in Anchorage sentenced to 24 years
