Man Convicted in Five '77 Iowa Fire Deaths May Be Released

Oct. 13, 2004
A 70-year-old man serving a life prison sentence could see freedom later this year after Gov. Tom Vilsack commuted his sentence last month.
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) -- A 70-year-old man serving a life prison sentence could see freedom later this year after Gov. Tom Vilsack commuted his sentence last month.

Ronald Veverka was sentenced to life in prison on five counts of first-degree murder in connection with a Feb. 9, 1977, fire in his Des Moines apartment building. Prosecutors contended he intentionally set the fire, which killed five people, in including a young mother and her 5-year-old daughter.

Veverka contended he accidentally set the fire when he tried to light a cigarette while drunk.

Vilsack, in granting executive clemency, said Veverka possessed no motive to kill and his crimes appeared ``directly related to a serious alcohol-abuse and mental-health problem, which he sought to address on many occasions prior to his incarceration.''

Vilsack said Veverka must abstain from alcohol, receive continued mental-health treatment and become involved in community service.

The Iowa Board of Parole is waiting for Veverka to finish pre-release programs before making a final decision, said Elizabeth Robinson, board chairwoman.

That is likely to be by midsummer next year, said Fred Scaletta, an Iowa Department of Corrections spokesman.

``Considering that Veverka has lived and functioned very well in a minimum-secure setting, and he has been a tutor in the education program, he is not going out as a high-risk,'' Scaletta said.

Veverka's daughter, Leah Reinstein of Lilburn, Ga., said she wants her father to move to her home with her husband and two children.

``The fact that I will be able to have my father in my life is absolutely wonderful,'' she said.

Voice Your Opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Firehouse, create an account today!