Former FF Sentenced in Fatal Shooting of PA Junior Firefighter
Source Firehouse.com News
The former firefighter who fatally shot a junior firefighter at the Republic Volunteer Fire Company station last year has been sentenced.
George Matis, 22, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter for the Nov. 27, 2016 shooting death of Parker Hess.
According to WTAE, Matis was sentenced to six to 23 months in jail.
Hess, 16, and Matis were in an office area of the fire station when Matis "removed a Glock model 17.9 millimeter caliber pistol from a holster that he was wearing and caused the pistol to discharge a bullet in the direction of Hess," according to a police report.
Hess suffered a gunshot wound to the face.
Judge John Wagner called the shooting "grossly negligent," but added that there was no evidence of malice or premeditation for any steeper charges.
Hess's mother, Heather Richards, told the television station she was unhappy with the plea deal.
"Because of who Geo is and who Parker was not, Parker doesn't have a voice anymore," Richards said. "But I will continue to fight and I will file with whoever I need to file with."
