Prelim held for Hancock fire suspect Read Comments
ADVERTISEMENT
Check This Out!

checkthisoutnewhome

yoopertubehome 

Photo

Three individuals gave their account of run-ins with Ronald Kemppainen the night of the fatal fire.

Monday, November 16, 2009 at 12:50 p.m.

Read more: Local, Crime, Hancock Fire, Ronald Kemppainen, Preliminary Exam

HANCOCK -- A preliminary exam is being held Monday for the suspect accused of starting a fire that killed four people this summer in Hancock.

Monday morning, three individuals gave their account of run-ins with Ronald Kemppainen the night of the fatal fire.  Accounts of aggression and statements made by Kemppainen were discussed by witnesses in Houghton County District Court.

One account noted that Kemppainen had said something to the effect that the building would burn down in three days.  Others stated that they saw Kemppainen enter the laundry room and leave 10 to 15 minutes before the fire started.

The prelim continues Monday afternoon where the court will hear statements from the fire investigator.

Check back later tonight for more from TV6's Ashley Palumbo.

Click here for more information on this developing story. 

SPONSORED CONTENT
4 Comments on this Story
Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them; they are not reflective of the views or opinions of Barrington Broadcasting, TV6, its directors or employees. If you believe a comment violates the Barrington Terms of Use, please report it here.

Why should he get to live like that?

Posted by K L, Houghton - Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at 1:05 p.m.

I could agree with you annie annie if the prison system consisted of 4 block walls, a bed and a toilet. But it is not all that bad. They have libraries, computers, televisions, time outside, 3 warm meals a day, gyms, medical care, you name it, they have access to it. Obviously it is not quite like being in your own comfy living room, but for someone like this, that did something so horrendous, it is too nice. I am sure that the prisons differ as security goes up, but it is not like they are on the chain gang shoveling a ditch somewhere for 14 hours a day. Sorry, but why should someone like this live that good?

Unfortunately or fortunately.......

Posted by annie annie, earth - Monday, November 16, 2009 at 6:16 p.m.

Unfortunately, to the poster who stated they should just put him in prison, etc., the system isn't designed this way and for a good reason. There are actually innocent people who are charged and subsaquently incarcerated, about 20% according to legal professionals. I am not saying this man is innocent, heck no, I believe him guilty....but a system that is to be fair must go through the motions and have it all documented on court record to show they have done all required to try this man and sentence him. He will do better spending each day in prison rather than be sentenced to death row. He will live approximately 10 years on average fighting his case to save his own life which is far more costly than a life term per prisoner. The beauty of prison is it's daily constant reminder of what you did that got you caged.....people like him don't deserve to go out humanely by lethal injection while the victims didn't get the same consideration. Prison for life is much more severe a punishment than merely being "put to sleep"....think about it.

Can't lose your life four times.

Posted by Flavor Dave, Marquette - Monday, November 16, 2009 at 2:39 p.m.

If he's sent to the right prison, the inmates will make sure he's "taken care of".

Don't drop the soap, buddy.

If guilty, this guy deserves the Death Penalty

Posted by Bodie Johansen, Mqt. County - Monday, November 16, 2009 at 1:22 p.m.

My buddy lost his sister, Anita White, in this fire.

For the lives that were lost, this man should LOSE his own life and not be 'taken care of' in prison.

News
ADVERTISEMENT

PopularCommented


CONSUMER INFO