SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Bureau of Alcohol,
Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), San Francisco Field Division Special
Agent in Charge Stephen C. Herkins and Sacramento Police Chief Rick Braziel,
announced yesterday that Robert Durst was sentenced to 17 years in state prison
for an arson that caused great bodily injury to four Sacramento firefighters.
On July 5, 2010, at approximately 1:30
a.m., 43 year-old Durst, a resident of Sacramento, took a candle from his home
and placed it inside his neighbor’s vacant house. Durst then turned on a valve
in the kitchen. Approximately eight hours later Sacramento firefighters
responded to a call for a reported gas leak. When firefighters opened the structure
for ventilation, the oxygen entered the gas laden house. This reaction caused
the candle to ignite the gas in the house, which resulted in an explosion.
Three firefighters were significantly burned and another suffered serious
injuries.
On April 26, a jury found Durst guilty
of arson that caused great bodily injury, two counts of burglary, two counts of
theft of property, and carrying a loaded firearm.
“Arson is a violent crime that often
results in the catastrophic loss of life and property,” said Herkins. “Arson
related crime continues to be one of ATF’s highest investigative priorities.
This investigation was a joint effort and we are pleased with the successful
conclusion.”
“We are appreciative of the cooperation
with the various units that participated in this investigation, said Sacramento
Police Chief Rick Braziel.”
This investigation was conducted by the
Sacramento Police Department in conjunction with special agents with the Bureau
of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Investigators with the
Sacramento Fire Department. The case was prosecuted by Sacramento Deputy
District Attorney Rod Norgaard.
ATF is the federal agency with
jurisdiction for investigating arson violations. More information on ATF can be
found at www.atf.gov
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