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Guilty plea in deadly CO arson
The Gazette, Colorado Springs, Colo. (July 24, 2008)Jul. 24--The case
Early Jan. 16, 2007, the 135-unit Castle West Apartment Complex near Academy Boulevard and Uintah Street was destroyed by fire, leaving hundreds homeless.
The victims
Joe Santoyo, 52, and Clemente Perez Salgado, 32, died in the fire.
The suspects
Derrick "Nicky" Johnson, 24, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, first-degree arson and six other felonies. Colorado Springs police allege Johnson used gas to spread the fire after threatening his girlfriend, who was staying at Castle West that night, according to an arrest affidavit. His cousin, 38-year-old Gene Johnson, was charged with felony accessory.
What's new
Wednesday, Gene Johnson pleaded guilty to accessory to arson. Prosecutors agreed to a sentencing range of two to three years. Johnson told 4th Judicial District Judge Jann DuBois that he was at a 7-Eleven store that night with his cousin, who allegedly bought gas there. Senior Deputy District Attorney Margaret Vellar told DuBois that Johnson lied to police the next day, which hindered their investigation. Since Johnson wasn't suspected of starting the fire, he won't be responsible for any restitution, Vellar said.
What's next
Gene Johnson, who remains in custody, is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 10. Derrick Johnson is scheduled to stand trial on the murder and arson charges Oct. 14. He has pleaded not guilty and is being held without bond at the El Paso County Criminal Justice Center.
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Copyright (c) 2008, The Gazette, Colorado Springs, Colo.
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