Sentencing Set For Band's Tour Manager In Deadly Nightclub Fire

POSTED: 5:04 am EDT May 8, 2006
UPDATED: 5:08 am EDT May 8, 2006

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Relatives of the 100 people killed in a Rhode Island nightclub fire will have a chance to share their pain in open court starting Monday as a sentencing hearing begins.

The three day sentencing hearing for Great White tour manager Daniel Biechele is expected to showcase emotionally wrenching testimonials from the families.

Biechele set off the pyrotechnics display during a Feb. 20, 2003, concert, igniting a fire that swiftly enveloped the crowded nightclub.

Biechele will be sentenced under a plea agreement to as many as 10 years in prison, and prosecutors are recommending the maximum.

His lawyers are asking for community service instead.

Biechele pleaded guilty to 100 counts of involuntary manslaughter in February.

Club owners Jeffrey and Michael Derderian each face 200 counts of involuntary manslaughter and are accused of installing the flammable sound-proofing foam.

Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press.