Rabbis sentenced to probation in deadly Rockland assisted living fire
Rabbi Nathaniel Sommer pleaded guilty to two counts of manslaughter, while his son pleaded guilty to reckless endangerment.
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Two men who pleaded guilty to igniting a fatal fire at a Rockland assisted living facility will not spend any time in jail due to a plea deal.
In June, Rabbi Nathaniel Sommer and his son, Rabbi Aaron Sommer, confessed to recklessly starting the fire during the pre-Passover cleaning of ovens. They used a blowtorch and coal in the process, resulting in the tragic loss of two lives.
The March 2021 blaze at the Evergreen Assisted Living Facility claimed the lives of 35-year-old Spring Valley volunteer firefighter Jared Lloyd and a 79-year-old resident.
Rabbi Nathaniel Sommer pleaded guilty to two counts of manslaughter, while his son pleaded guilty to reckless endangerment.
Family members of the victims got to share impact statements in court.
Sabrail Davenport, Jared Lloyd's mother, says because of what the two men did her family would never be the same.
Jared Lloyd's father, Calvin Lloyd, also spoke saying that he will never be able to have the fatherly conversations that the two used to share.
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In Rockland County Court Wednesday Judge Kevin Russo accepted a plea deal negotiated between defense attorneys and Rockland County District Attorney Thomas Walsh, where Rabbi Nathaniel Sommer received five years’ probation, while his son got three years’ probation. They will also have to pay court costs.
Statement from Sabrail Davenport, Jared Lloyd's mother.
Statement from Calvin Lloyd, Jared Lloyd's father.
Statement from Judge Kevin Russo.
Statement from the Spring Valley Fire Chaplain John Kapral.
Statements outside courtroom
Rabbis sentenced to probation in deadly Rockland assisted living fire
