A 46-year-old man was convicted in connection to starting a 1987 fire at a community college that killed a firefighter.
Elmer Nash Jr. pleaded guilty Thursday to first-degree murder stemming from a three-alarm fire at Everett Community College nearly 35 years ago, KING-TV reports. Nash, who was 12 at the time, admitted to starting the fire in the college's library that led to Everett firefighter Gary Parks' death.
While battling the fire, Parks became separated from his fellow firefighters and was trapped in the burning building Feb. 16, 1987. He was unable to escape as the flames quickly spread and engulfed the building.
“Gary was a good man, a trusted partner and friend you could always count on. He was there to help a daughter fix her car, help a wife put on her ski boots and never had a day he didn't show up to work his shift at the Everett Fire Department," Parks' widow, Kathy, said in a statement from the city. "We are so very grateful to the detectives who never gave up on this case. Our family will always suffer knowing Gary hasn't reaped the fruits of his life, grandchildren, daughters’ successes, and a wife who will cherish him forever.”
The fire destroyed the college's Cascade Hall, as well as thousands of books, periodicals and historical records. It caused more than $8 million in damages, according to KING.
Nash's sentencing is set for May 7. He's expected to receive 3.5 years in prison.
