Son Reaches Plea Deal in Arson Death of His Father

[seriousstan]

LA JUNTA, Colo. (AP) - A man pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for setting his father on fire two years ago during the older man's birthday party as the two argued over whether kerosene was flammable.
Authorities said Thomas Martinez, 38, doused his father with kerosene, set him ablaze with a cigarette lighter and said: "You are going to die today. ... Happy birthday. You are the candle."


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The son had been charged with first-degree murder and other charges. Sentencing was set for March 8, where he faces at least 16 years in prison.

Martinez's lawyer, Ray Torrez, described the fire as an impulsive act and said Monday that his client still feels he is not guilty
http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGBUQINUK3E.html

[Kire]

1. uh oh, if your lawyer thinks you're guilty, and you don't...

...you're not going to make it.

[imenja]

2. motive?

That is horrifying. Not to mention stupid, since the man lived to implicate the son. The article says nothing about motive. Does anyone know why, perhaps based on another source? Was there money involved?

[seriousstan]

3. the two argued over whether kerosene was flammable

Why would you think the motive was anything but stupidity and alcohol?

[Richard Steele]

4. Lesson for today: ALCOHOL is flammable.

[imenja]

5. I"ll say

As nuts as I sometimes think my family is . . .
that is insane.