THORNTON – An Adams County District judge sentenced Martin Castruita Espinoza, 22, to 160 years in prison Thursday for a fire that destroyed a Thornton condominium complex in March of 2014.
Flames engulfed the Corona Village Condominium complex at 8760 Corona Street, destroying 18 condominiums in two buildings on March 4, 2014. Two residents and two firefighters were injured in the fire.
A number of residents also lost their pets in the blaze. According to Deputy District Attorney Tyler Sande, families returned for weeks after the fire in hopes that their missing pets had survived and would turn up.
Espinoza was among the people who gathered to watch the fire. He even spoke to the media, claiming to be a witness. Neighbors told 9NEWS that Espinoza's mother lived in the building that burned.
Espinoza turned himself in to police several days after a warrant was issued for his arrest.
In August 2015, Espinoza was convicted of 10 counts of attempted first-degree murder, 23 counts of first-degree arson, three counts of third-degree assault and 10 counts of reckless endangerment.
Adams County District Judge Wasserman sentenced Espinoza to 16 years in prison on 10 counts of attempted first-degree murder, totaling 160 years.
Espinoza will not be eligible for parole for the rest of his natural life. The other sentences will be served concurrently to the 160 years for attempted first-degree murder.
Previous stories: Man convicted for arson that destroyed 18 condos
(© 2015 KUSA)
