2 enter pleas in deadly pier collapse |
|
|
|
Published
:
Mon, 14 May 2007 16:52
|
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - The operator of a pier that collapsed in 2000, killing three nightclub patrons and injuring 43 others, pleaded guilty Monday to three counts of involuntary manslaughter. The pier's owner pleaded no contest to the same counts.The pleas by operator Eli Karetny and owner Michael Asbell came as jury selection was to begin in their second trial.A jury heard the case against the two in the fall but couldn't reach a verdict. During that eight-week trial, prosecutors had maintained that Asbell and Karetny knew the pier was likely to collapse but still allowed the nightclub atop it to open on May 18, 2000.Karetny, 66, of Cherry Hill, N.J., also pleaded guilty to 43 counts of reckless endangerment. In exchange, prosecutors dropped charges of conspiracy and risking catastrophe.Asbell, 64, of Merion, also pleaded no contest to 43 counts of reckless endangerment, one count of conspiracy and one count of risking catastrophe.Both men face possible prison time when they are sentenced June 22. The maximum sentence for each involuntary manslaughter count is 2 1/2 years to five years in prison.Copyright 2007 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
|
|
|
|
Print this Story
Retailer Pier 1 to cut 175 jobs 