1 of 4 people charged in fatal Evergreen nursing home fire pleads not guilty to reckless endangerment

Denise Kerr, 51, pleaded not guilty to reckless endangerment in the second degree.

News 12 Staff

Aug 17, 2021, 9:27 PM

Updated 1,207 days ago

Share:

One of four people facing charges in connection with a fatal nursing home fire in Spring Valley appeared in court Tuesday.
Denise Kerr, 51, pleaded not guilty to reckless endangerment in the second degree.
Kerr and three others are facing charges stemming from the fatal fire at the Evergreen Assisted Living Home that claimed the life of volunteer firefighter Jared Lloyd and a resident of the facility.
Court documents obtained by News 12 describe the alleged actions that Kerr took.
After watching surveillance and speaking with Kerr, who was the facilities director at the time, investigators believe Kerr saw Aaron and Nathanial Sommer cleaning the kitchen the night of March 22, including Nathanial using a lit torch to do so.
Authorities also allege that Kerr knew there were no permits to use the torch, and that there were not safety procedures being set in place.
They add that this happened while she knew the fire alarm system had been placed on test at her direction.
Kerr is expected to be back in court on Oct. 12.