A Lima man may be spending life in prison, for starting the fire that killed his younger brother.
20-year-old Jervon Fernandez-Wesley was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison on the count of murder. According to police, Fernandez-Wesley started the fire that killed his 14-year-old brother Michael Gillyard in August 2020.
Police say Fernandez-Wesley was kicked out of his family's home, then he returned early the next morning and started fires in the neighboring duplex. Five of his other family members were able to get out. He told police he was angry at all of them for how they treated him. Fernandez-Wesley said he was sorry for his impulsive actions that led to the death of his brother.
“I wish there was something that we could do for young people that tells them these instant angers, these quick decisions have fatal consequences, life-altering consequences,” says Judge Terri Kohlrieser. “There is not much we can say or do, because it keeps happening.”
Fernandez-Wesley was facing multiple charges but took a plea deal in December to eliminate everything but the murder charge.
