An 18-year-old boy who caused a bonfire explosion at a backyard gathering in eastern Wisconsin, injuring more than a dozen people, has been sentenced to one year in prison, suspended for five years.
Sam Armstrong appeared in Shawano County Court on Thursday, WLUK-TV reported.
Armstrong pleaded no contest in February to 13 counts of causing injury by negligent use of explosives. Although a no contest plea is not an admission of guilt, it will be used as such during sentencing.
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Armstrong was participating in a bonfire with other teens on Oct. 14, 2022, in Maple Grove, about 40 miles northwest of Green Bay, when he set a barrel of gasoline and diesel on fire. Throw it inside, it will cause an explosion and at least it will burn. Officials said 17 of the approximately 60 young people present died.
Sam Armstrong will appear in court in Shawano, Wisconsin on February 5, 2023. Armstrong pleaded no contest to 13 counts of injury by negligent use of explosives. He was sentenced to one year in prison and five years suspended. (WLUK-TV via AP, File)
According to the criminal complaint, the man told police he did not know his actions would cause an explosion and injure anyone. Armstrong told investigators he had been drinking beer.
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He faces several civil lawsuits filed by some of those injured in the explosion.
Benjamin Van Asten, one of those injured in the explosion, told the court Thursday that he had forgiven Armstrong for his “little gaffe” and said Armstrong was “trying to stay calm in front of all his friends.” .
Defense attorney Greg Petit told the court, based on prepared statements from Armstrong, that his client was remorseful, embarrassed and embarrassed.
