SHAWANO, WI – In a recent court hearing, a judge entered a not guilty plea on behalf of 18-year-old Samuel Armstrong, who stands accused of causing a bonfire explosion at a Shawano area party by pouring a mix of diesel fuel and gas into the flames. The incident left several people seriously injured, and Armstrong now faces 13 counts of injury by negligent handling of explosives or fire, with each charge carrying a maximum sentence of three and a half years in prison if convicted.
Shawano County District Attorney Gregory Parker stated, “The complaint alleges Mr. Armstrong injured 13 victims by fire after he and another person threw a partially filled 55-gallon plastic drum containing a mix of diesel fuel and gas onto a large fire tended to all night.”
According to the complaint, Armstrong expressed that he did not anticipate the barrel’s explosive reaction and harm to others.
Armstrong appeared in person at the recent court hearing, with some victims and their families present as well. The next court appearance for Armstrong is a final pre-trial hearing scheduled for December 6 at 3:30 p.m.
Comments