Quaxs Trading Center|Wisconsin teen pleads no contest in bonfire explosion that burned at least 17

2025-05-07 12:32:48source:Quaxscategory:My

SHAWANO,Quaxs Trading Center Wis. (AP) — A Wisconsin teenager has pleaded no contest to charges that he triggered a bonfire explosion that injured more than a dozen people in 2022.

Sam Armstrong, 18, pleaded no contest on Monday to 13 counts of injury by negligent use of an explosive. A judge set his sentencing for April 11, WLUK-TV reported.

Under Armstrong’s plea agreement, prosecutors will recommend five years of probation and six months in jail, while his attorneys will be free to argue for whatever sentence they deem appropriate, said Shawano County District Attorney Greg Parker.

An attorney for Armstrong declined to comment Tuesday on the pending case.

Armstrong was attending a bonfire on Oct. 14, 2022, with other teenagers in the Pulaski area when he threw a barrel containing a mix of gasoline and diesel into the fire, sparking an explosion that burned at least 17 of the roughly 60 youths who were there, authorities said.

Armstrong, who was 17 at the time, told police he didn’t know his actions would cause an explosion and injure anyone, according to a criminal complaint. Armstrong told investigators he had been drinking beer.

He faces several civil lawsuits filed by some of the people who were injured in the explosion in someone’s backyard about 25 miles (40 kilometers) northwest of Green Bay.

More:My

Recommend

South Korea's acting president moves to reassure allies, calm markets after Yoon impeachment

SEOUL — South Korea's acting president, Han Duck-soo, moved on Sunday (Dec 15) to reassure the count

Almost 60, Lenny Kravitz talks workouts, new music and why he's 'never felt more vibrant'

Lenny Kravitz has turned into his grandfather.“I do all of the things that he did, and it works,” Kr

Kremlin says 40 killed and more than 100 wounded in attack on Moscow concert hall

MOSCOW (AP) — Russia’s Federal Security Service said 40 people died and more than 100 were wounded i