Arsonists sentenced to decades in prison for 2022 blaze that killed Philadelphia firefighter
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Two men were sentenced to decades in prison in connection with the 2022 arson death of a Philadelphia firefighter.
The men were convicted last year of setting fire to a pizza shop. That fire ultimately led to the death of Lieutenant Sean Williamson, 51, after the burning building collapsed on him.
READ MORE | 2 men convicted for setting fire that killed Philadelphia firefighter Lt. Sean Williamson
It was about 3:30 a.m. June 18, 2022, when firefighters rushed to the 300 block of Indiana Avenue. The Star Pizza shop and the apartments above it were on fire.
In the chaos, two families with children had to run for their lives, four firefighters were trapped under falling debris as the building collapsed, and a License and Inspections inspector was hurt.
Lieutenant Williamson, a 27-year veteran of the department, was killed in the fire, which federal authorities have found was set by two men, building owner Al-Ashraf Khalil and accomplice Isaam Jaghama.
Kahlil was sentenced to 40 years for his role, and Jaghama will serve 25 years in federal prison.
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Video evidence showed the men entering the basement of the shop and exiting about 20 minutes later as smoke began to rise.
Investigators say the day after the fire, the building owner, Khalil, signed paperwork authorizing an insurance adjuster to file a more than $400,000 insurance claim on his behalf.
After being questioned by police, Kahlil boarded a plane to Jordan to escape, but was arrested by U.S. Marshals and returned to the U.S. to face trial.
Along with serving decades in prison, both convicted men are required to pay nearly $1.3 million in restitution.
Williamson leaves behind a partner and three children. His son described him as the world's best teacher, a dedicated family man, a hero to be remembered.
The Philadelphia Fire Department thanked law enforcement for their work in bringing this case to a close, saying, "It is difficult to believe that more than three years have passed since we lost Lt. Sean Williamson. His tragic and senseless death robbed his family of a beloved partner, father, brother and son, and robbed this City of a dedicated, respected and highly skilled firefighter. We are grateful to the law enforcement officers, attorneys, and partner agencies who worked tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice."
