But for Karren Lee Ziner, staff writer for the Providence Journal, who was the first on the scene that February night, TheStationfire was its own special nightmare and it still haunts her. Two distinct triage areas emerged, one with Hopkins Hill Rescue 6 at the A/D corner and one at the CIR opposite the A/B corner. Dwight McCann/Chumash Casino. Cameraman Brian Butler was at The Station on February 23, 2003. Writing about previous shows, Barylick reports, At none of the venues where Biechele shot pyro did he secure the required pyrotechnics permits., Rhode Island had enacted a state building code in 2003 that required sprinklers in places of public assembly that could be occupied by more than 300 people. Photos made public Tuesday revealed just a taste of the horror that unfolded during the Pulse nightclub massacre in Orlando, Fla., with stomach-turning images of a bullet-ridden bar, a shot-up. fire began late Thursday and destroyed the structure, and which officials say has taken the life of at least 85 people may be related to band's pyrotechnics. The fire chief was the only West Warwick firefighter allowed to be interviewed for the NIST and DHS reports. According to ABC News, though, several hundred people in the Chinese city of Luoyang decided to cut loose on Christmas night 2000 by heading to a nightclub housed on the fourth floor of a multi-use industrial building.A fire broke out in the basement of the structure . 2,632 Orders Delivered. Four listed thermal burns as the main cause. A diagram released by the RISAG in 2004 with approximate locations of bodies showed 68 at or near side A. Thirty-one were inside the hallway and vestibule, nine at the dance-floor entrance to the vestibule, three in the main bar and 25 in the sunroom adjacent to the common vestibule and hallway wall and windows. The fire was started by pyrotechnics going off on the stage while the band Great White performed. Dveloppez votre marque de manire authentique en partageant son contenu avec tous les crateurs Internet. Ambulatory injured already heading to the restaurant reaffirmed it the logical location for triage and all EMS was directed there. The 1980s rock Great White and its lead singer Jack Russell (playing as Jack Russell's Great White) for putting together the show as part of a tour of roadhouses seeking to rekindle past glory. The fire, which killed at least 96 and injured about 150, was believed to have been started when the band that was playing, Great White, set off pyrotechnics at the begining of their performance on Thursday evening. The Station nightclub fire killed 100 people and injured hundreds more on February 20, 2003. Commercial companies and independent ambulance corps provided another 15 to 20 ambulances. Prevention-related activities are often underutilized or unrealized assets in the fire service, and they continue to be underfunded and understaffed in most fire departments. At 2337, command radioed triage that people were still being pulled out from side A. Hundreds witness groundbreaking for Station fire memorial: Cradling fresh flowers in the frigid cold, several hundred people gathered at the site of The Station nightclub fire on the 10th-anniversary service that included a groundbreaking for a permanent memorial and remembrances for the 100 lives lost. But he didn't know what. In many communities, the crucial task of inspecting buildings in search of potentially life-threatening fire hazards falls to just one person. Battalion 1, arriving at 2314, established Command on Cowesett Road opposite the A/D corner, and reported the building was well involved and that multiple rescues would be needed. As a result of the fire, the grandfather clause exempting buildings built before the mandatory sprinkler law was abolished and all Rhode Island nightclubs are required to have sprinklers. More than 200 were. Survivors' injuries mirrored those of the deceased. After locating, tagging, photographing and removing a body, teams attended debriefing sessions. Abb Takk. At 2336, FA was advised live wires were down on side B. Neighboring FAs monitoring fireground communications notified their off-duty command and EMS supervisory staffs. Fire apparatus and other emergency vehicles were still on the scene along with construction equipment to begin to remove the debris.. A body is wheeled on a stretcher from the scene of a deadly fire at The Station nightclub in West Warwick, R.I. Friday, Feb. 21, 2003. For annual late-night Station remembrance, memorial a peaceful, meaningful addition: Station fire memorial nearing completion: Hundreds witness groundbreaking for Station fire memorial: Medical teams met the challenge; everyone who got out survived that night: In firefighters' hearts, the disaster isn't over: Quiet, emotional end for Station fire remnants: RI Hospital specialists, Station fire victims reflect after a decade since deadly blaze: Station fire, 15 years later: Survivors tell their stories: Station nightclub fire survivor tells burn victims love can happen amid scars, fears: Son of Great White guitarist cheers sick children to honor his dad: Gina Russo says she emerged from the flames in a better place: Fused by pain, Station fire survivors, loved ones mark 18th anniversary: Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Saturday, February 19th 2022 4 VIEW ALL PHOTOS Sunday marks 19 years since the tragic Station nightclub fire in West Warwick. On Feb. 20, 2003, the nation's fourth-deadliest nightclub fire occurred in the Town of West Warwick, RI, killing 100 people and injuring nearly 300. As survivor Gina Russo and writer Paul Londardo reported in From the Ashes, the first theory was criminal negligence manslaughter, which results when the accused ignores the bodily risk to others and death results. Early in 2001, Jeff reported on-camera about the fire hazard posed by foam mattresses. State and local authorities adopt and adhere to existing model standards on communications, mutual aid, command structure and staffing. Washington: Firing outside St. Louis night club in Missouri, 5 people injured. In urban areas, high turnover means that fire marshals rarely stick around long enough to learn all the nuances of the code. The fire department are on the scene, but the fire is blazing so strongly that there is little that they can do for those still trapped. Jeffrey Derderian was sentenced to community service. Biechele and Great White, the Derderian brother, Larocque and the town of West Warwick plus a host of others figured into lawsuits that led to a payout of $176 million to those who were injured and the families of those who died. Ownership changed in 1985, and the building became a pub. The medical examiner testified 20 deceased had significant levels of cyanide, indicative of inhaling an atmosphere containing hydrogen cyanide, a product of burning polyurethane. WFD Engine 5, Engine 9, Rescue 4 and Battalion 1 arrived almost simultaneously at 2319. Hundreds of people filled the parking lot and streets; half were injured, many seriously. John Barylick in Killer Show points out that there is reason to believe the Derderians gave permission since the club had a history of pyrotechnics in shows. Another 230 people were injured in what ranks as the nations fourth-deadliest nightclub fire. Great White lead singer Jack Russell, left, speaks with bass player Dave Filice, right, near the scene of a deadly fire at The Station nightclub in West Warwick, R.I. Friday, Feb. 21, 2003. Several fire department chaplains assisted. As we mark 20 years since . The initial attack was in direct support of rescue efforts. The crew observed fire already through the roof and also was confronted by injured victims seeking medical assistance. Jack Russell, lead singer of Great White, has an emotional moment as he walks near the scene of a deadly fire at The Station nightclub in West Warwick, R.I. Friday, Feb. 21, 2003. Collect, curate and comment on your files. Im so sorry.. Similar circumstances led to the the 2003 West Warwick, R.I., fire, where pyrotechnics used as a stage prop by the 1980s rock band Great White set ablaze cheap soundproofing foam on the walls and ceiling of the music venue. Consider these questions: "Fire is Everyones Fight," and we all share the responsibility for fire safety in our communities. BOSTON (CBS) - The 2003 fire at The Station nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island was one of the deadliest in U.S. history. The noxious smell triggered panic. Im so sorry for what Ive done and I dont want to cause anyone any more pain. She knew he was going to conduct the attack, federal prosecutor Roger Handberg said. Fueled by the flammable foam, the fire spread quickly, trapping many people inside. February 20, 2003. "48 Hours" contributor Jim Axelrod reports. They died here, Jody King said of the100 people who died. Rhode Island's Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) team was activated around midnight. The meeting resulted in multiple tentative interim amendments (TIAs), passed on July 26, 2003: Further, on Feb. 27, 2003, under the authority of the National Construction Safety Team (NCST) Act, NIST began a technical investigation into the causes that led to this tragedy. 'crime scene' photo taken inside of pulse 'nightclub. Five firefighters were physically injured, the most serious being a broken ankle. They renamed the building The Station and maintained its use as a nightclub, with live music and events as the main attraction. The West Warwick, Rhode Island club The Station was purchased by brothers Michael A. and Jeffrey A. Derderian in 2000 and three years later became a scene of tragedy that would haunt Rhode Island forever. But there is more to be done. I know how this tragedy has devastated me but I can only begin to understand what the people who lost loved ones have endured. This story has been shared 133,169 times. Jody King:. King Von Official. The Feb. 20, 2003, fire at The Station nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island started when pyrotechnics for the rock band Great White set fire to flammable foam installed as soundproofing. A toxic smoke layer filled the space as the occupants attempted to exit. He lost his fingers and ears as well as the sight in his left eye, along with much of his nose tissue. The officer directed other victims toward the restaurant, which by default became the main triage center. 25 seconds: The flames start spreading to the ceiling. An acoustic guitar, in memory of the 98 fire victims, is left at the memorial fence enclosing the wreckage of The Station nightclub in West Warwick, R.I., Tuesday, March 4, 2003. The DHS report stated the bulk of the fire was knocked down with the scene changing from a rescue to a recovery operation within 40 minutes. BOSTON (CBS) - The 2003 fire at The Station nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island was one of the deadliest in U.S. history. The most productive approach to avoiding similar disasters is to work together. . Conduct research to understand fire spread and suppression. Lexipol. In this Feb. 20, 2003 file photo, firefighters spray water on to the charred remains of the nightclub, The Station located in West Warwick, R.I., Thursday, Feb. 20, 2003. The Station fire:A Timeline of the tragedy, More:Should PTSD qualify for injured-on-duty status? Nine seconds later, flames were out all front windows. More on the fire:The Station fire: 100 victims in photos. All rights reserved. Prosecutors agreed to allow the photos to be seen. Station nightclub fire scene, viewed from above. The emotional and psychological impact and resulting post-traumatic stress of responding to this incident cannot be measured. On Feb. 20, 2003, 100 people were killed and more than 200 others were injured in a fire at the Station nightclub in West Warwick. How they mitigated it is a learning experience for the fire service. At 11:07 p.m., as the band launched into its opener . 3:37. Jeff told the audience that polyurethane foam is called solid gasoline by fire experts. The report was completed in June 2005 and listed multiple recommendations related to the following issues: Today's model codes are too often a painful list of lessons learned. All rights reserved. Rassembler, slectionner et commenter vos fichiers. 3:21. White reminded the judge that Biechele had not gotten the legally required permit to light pyrotechnics. 404 Station Nightclub Fire Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images Images Images Creative Editorial Video Creative Editorial FILTERS CREATIVE EDITORIAL VIDEO 404 Station Nightclub Fire Premium High Res Photos Show Transcript. Tap into Getty Images global-scale, data-driven insights and network of over 340,000creators to create content exclusively for your brand. People were crushing each other in front of him trying to get out of the emergency exits. His attorney said Biechele wanted to be a private person.. 2010 The Thought & Expression Company, LLC. 2023 Endeavor Business Media, LLC. Two unidentified women watch recovery efforts at the scene of a deadly nightclub fire, Friday, Feb. 21, 2003, in West Warwick, R.I. Officals say the fast moving fire caused at least 60 deaths. The cameraman managed to escape. INTERCITY radio traffic confirmed Metro Control requesting fill-in companies from Coventry and East Greenwich; departments designated by the mutual aid box system to move up on the third and fourth alarms. . Most quote the NIST and DHS reports. Michael Derderian served 2 years and 9 months in prison, while his brother Jeffery received 3 years of probation with 500 hours of community service. Chief 1 assigned two safety officers, one each from Warwick and West Warwick. YouTube / National Fire Protection Association. The one-story building burned to the ground in about three minutes. Multiple fireground and INTERCITY radio transmissions requesting all available rescues and all available manpower may have resulted in assets self-deploying. A terrible tragedy occurred on 20 February 2003 at the Station Nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island. Streamline your workflow with our best-in-class digital asset management system. A staunch advocate for fire sprinklers in all buildings, including homes, Feeney is now the Fire Sprinkler Initiative's newest blogger . Privacy Policy. But not by Jody King. However, the grandfather clause excluded buildings like The Station that were constructed before that requirement. 2023 Getty Images. Unfortunately, Jeff lost his life in the fire. As resources arrived, an Engine 3 member with a Cranston EMS officer conducted primary triage outside the CIR tagging "red" critically injured for transport on the next-available rescue and moving less seriously injured people inside for further assessment. . The Derderian brothers were targets of criminal investigations and civil lawsuits. Firefighters carry the body of a fire victim from the charred wreckage of The Station nightclub in West Warwick, R.I., Friday, Feb. 21, 2003. At 2323, Rescue 1 notified FA that 10 victims were being transported, with five in critical condition; four rescues were on scene; at least 10 more were needed and they had 50 to 75 injured. . Some were lying on the ground, inside vehicles, in pickup truck beds and seeking relief from burns in snow banks. Quiet, emotional end for Station fire remnants: The more than 700 pieces of evidence, trucked from the Cranston warehouse where they had been held in evidence storage, were destroyed. After the tour bus was removed, the Warwick tower ladder backed into the A-side parking lot adjacent to the West Warwick engines. The fire alarm activated at around 41 seconds, sounding and flashing strobes. Via side-A windows, 25 exited the sunroom and 54 exited the barroom. THE FIRE On February 20, 2003 at about 11:10 p.m., Jody King got a call that something was going on at The Station nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island. The 2003 nightclub fire in Rhode Island was the fourth deadliest nightclub fire in U.S. history. All rights reserved. One hundred individuals died in the West Warwick, R.I., fire, making it the fourth deadliest nightclub fire in U.S. history. A Rhode Island nightclub erupted into flames during a pyrotechnics display at a rock concert, killing at least 39 people and injuring more than 150 as mobs of concertgoers frantically rushed to escape the raging fire. Gina Russo says she emerged from the flames in a better place: But 10 years after the fire killed her fianc, after 54 operations and skin grafts to heal her burned body and treat recurring complications; after periods of sadness, anger and frustration over who was lost, who wasnt prosecuted, who never apologized, Russo says she is grateful. Enter https://www.firerescue1.com/ and click OK. 19 seconds: The crowd begins to react as the flames progress upward. Many will not discuss the incident; some still receive medical care. Firefighter and RI state Rep. talks trauma, The Derderians are on a 'white-wash tour' in 2021 about The Station fire, says father who lost son, The former salesman for the company where the Derderians bought the deadly insulating foam says the fire destroyed his life. Hot Shot - Fire In The Night - WWF Club. An off-duty career firefighter from a neighboring city assisted in stretching hose. Prosecutor Randall White urged a sentence of ten years. WFD Rescue 1, monitoring radio traffic and knowing it was shift change at Kent County Hospital, had FA notify Kent of the situation; hence, the hospital was double staffed. 0:37. July 1946: Brothers Casey and Henry Lada open a gin mill in the building that will one day become The Station nightclub. He serves as an assistant fire chief/fire marshal with the Leander (Texas) Fire Department. A Rhode Island nightclub burst into flames during a pyrotechnics display at a rock concert, killing at least 26 people and injuring more than 150 as mobs of concertgoers frantically rushed to escape the raging fire. This may be called Tools or use an icon like the cog. West Warwick firefighters not on the first-alarm assignment assisted with body recovery. (Photo by David L Ryan/The Boston Globe via Getty Images), 2023 Getty Images. As the. As the California band Great White took the stage that February night in 2003, pyrotechnics ignited soundproofing foam insulation which resulted in a massive blaze. Thursday night's fire, which killed at least 54 people, resulted from a pyrotechnics display during the first song of Great White's set. Tirez parti du rseau mondial GettyImages, avec plus de 340 000 crateurs, pour dvelopper un contenu exclusif, cr spcialement pour votre marque. After a nine-month grand jury investigation, the band manager and the owners of the club were each indicted on 100 counts of criminal negligence and 100 counts of misdemeanor manslaughter. The main exit quickly became unusable as people fell and tried to climb over one another to escape, creating an unpassable wedge. That list, the reports, and telephone and radio recordings indicate at least 22 engines, eight ladders, three special hazards, two squads and 57 rescues were involved. At 0037, incoming rescues were canceled; all living victims had been transported. local Four nonstop. Accepting the 2007 figure of 462 occupants and knowing 96 bodies were recovered, it is probable more than 100 people were rescued by firefighters before the building became completely untenable. The fire that gutted down the whole building was said to have been caused by the use of unapproved pyrotechnics, which was used as part of a show put on by the Great White band. On the day he died, Matt kissed his wifes stomach and said: God, I wish shed come today. Now, ten years later the family reflects on the many challenges and losses life has thrown at them. The brothers who owned the club and Great Whites tour manager were charged in the fire. I submit that a brutal, draconian sentence like ten years in prison is not warranted by Dan Biecheles conduct.. People come here to remember, said King, who wears a tattoo of his brother on his chest. S - A large crowd of family and friends of the victims gathered at the scene of the 1993 Station nightclub fire on Sunday to remember the hundred individuals killed in the blaze. The acoustic foam insulation on the ceiling of the Kiss nightclub in the southern Brazilian city of Santa Maria was on fire, and it was beginning to spread. The FBI allowed the photos to be released after Mateens wife, Noor Salman, was arrested for obstruction of justice and aiding and abetting by providing material support to a terrorist organization a day earlier. One hundred . Station Fire Memorial Foundation rejects donation from Great White singer: Out of the ashes of the Station fire, tougher building codes arose. The band manager, Daniel Biechele, who lit the pyrotechnics, pleaded guilty to 100 counts and was sentenced to 15 years in prison, with four years to serve and 11 years suspended, plus three years of probation. In the days after the tragedy, the Derderians and Great White disputed whether the band had permission for pyrotechnics. Hospitals reported 273 patients treated, most with inhalation burns and smoke; 40%-plus with third-degree burns of face, upper extremities and upper body. Current and former officials from several fire departments, including West Warwick's, declined to comment for this article. The fire started at the West Warwick club when a manager for the band Great White set off pyrotechnics for the band's show. When just brushing against it an overheard reference, a roadside glimpse can rekindle the searing pain? When WFD Battalion 1 reported to the command post, the INTERCITY a common radio frequency used to communicate between regional control centers (RCCs), agencies and apparatus was becoming overloaded. Due to the large number of deceased, teams made multiple recoveries. In the stampede, 21 people were killed. In 2000, almost 54 years after the original construction, brothers Michael and Jeffrey Derderian purchased the property. Members of the band start to become aware of the fire. Bandra Station Fire: Major Fire Broke Out Outside A Mumbai Suburban Railway Station. Doomed fans stuck in the doorway of The Station nightclub fire in West Warwick, RI. Four engines and one tower ladder operating three deck guns, one ladder pipe and numerous 1-inch handlines were used in suppression operations. Salman is expected back in court Wednesday. : r/lastimages by ResEvl Doomed fans stuck in the doorway of The Station nightclub fire in West Warwick, RI. Property owner Ray Villanova formally donated it to the Station Fire Memorial Foundation on September 28, 2012. Within two minutes of Chief 1's arrival, Engine 1 and Ladder 1 reported the front entryway clogged with about 20 victims. The scene firefighters faced is addressed. A firefighter holds his hand to his forehead as he stands amidst the rubble at the scene of a deadly fire at The Station nightclub in West Warwick, R.I. Friday, Feb. 21, 2003. By this time, the clubs occupants had begun moving toward the exits. But has prevention actually improved? Arriving at 2324, Chief 1 ordered another call-back of off-duty members. In deference to them, names are not published. Analysis of computer-aided decision tools for determining the costs and benefits of alternative code changes and fire safety technologies. The Derderians ordered polyurethane foam from American Foam and installed blocks of it over the walls and ceiling on The Station. Less than two minutes after the first flames appeared, heavy black smoke could be seen pumping from the main entrance over the jammed doorway. Crime Scene Photos & Video The files below are the crime scene photos and video taken by the police during the Meredith Kercher murder investigation at Via della Pergola 7 where Amanda Knox and Meredith lived for 6 weeks and at the apartment of Raffaele Sollecito at Corso Garibaldi 110. Anniversaries, he says, renew the ties and allow him to reflect and recount his version of events that fateful February 20th night. After serving 12 months of his sentence, Biechele was released from prison in 2008. One hundred people died and more than 200 were injured. While jailed, Biechele penned 100 handwritten apologies to victims families. Pictures taken the following day by the West Warwick Fire Department show the extent of the damage. Several handlines were advanced to side B and on burning gasoline under multiple vehicles ignited at the A/B corner. People come here to reflect. Of the approximately 439 people inside The Station at the time of the blaze, 96 people died at the scene, and 4 more died in hospitals during the following weeks. Are those responsible for enforcement qualified to national standards? Since he co-owned The Station nightclub with his brother Michael Derderian, Jeff suggested it as a venue for generic nightclub footage. A partial collapse of the side A wall at the sunroom windows at 0015 hours initiated a second accountability roll call. Like many in a small state where news travels fast, the Providence-based lawyer had already heard about the previous night's fire at the Station nightclub in West Warwick, R.I.he knew about the pyrotechnics gone terribly wrong, the flaming wall of soundproofing, and the deadly . Twenty years after the nation's 4th worst nightclub fire, Rhode Island is still dealing with the collective trauma, legislative fallout and lasting impacts of The Station nightclub fire. 411 Station Nightclub Fire Premium High Res Photos Browse 411 station nightclub fire stock photos and images available, or search for station fire or station night club to find more great stock photos and pictures. Warwick supplied the rapid intervention team. He refused to talk with reporters and entered an automobile driven by a lawyer. Rescue 1 cleared its run and responded at 2314. Fifteen years after that deadly night, the rubble cleared away, The Station Fire Memorial Park opened as a place for victims, family and friends to come and remember. Hundreds of mourners have left flowers, stuffed bears and pictures on the fence to remember those who died in the fire there last week. Trials were averted through plea bargains and monetary settlements, though neither brother paid a penny of his own money toward the $176 million that went to the victims and their families. Command called for an accountability roll call. An October 2003 Health Care Industry publication noted that 17% of 196 burn victims were admitted into intensive care on ventilatory support. People come here to cry. Brothers Michael and Jeffery Derderian, who owned The Station nightclub, for using highly flammable polyurethane foam as soundproofing on the walls of the club and for letting 462 people into a building, bringing it over capacity. The building was completely gutted. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) report had fire through the roof within five minutes of ignition. Station nightclub fire survivor tells burn victims love can happen amid scars, fears: Joe Kinan has had more than 120 surgeries, not the least of which was a hand transplant. The technical investigation report acknowledged that, given the hazardous mix of materials in The Station and the lack of installed sprinklers, nothing that the fire department could have done that night would have saved the building from the fast-growing fire.". Select the option or tab named Internet Options (Internet Explorer), Options (Firefox), Preferences (Safari) or Settings (Chrome). The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) asserted a. In firefighters' hearts, the disaster isn't over: How long can a memory feel like a live wire arcing against your heart? Officials say that a fire at the nightclub late Thursday resulted in the death of at least 60 people. Establish provisions for determining occupancy limits of all new and existing nightclubs, and aggressively enforce adopted provisions. FALL RIVER West Warwick, Rhode Island is marking the 20th anniversary of the devastating Station nightclub fire, though the fire's impact stretched far beyond Rhode Island, including to the Fall River area. Between 2316 and 2317, command advised FA triage was being set up and staging for out-of-town rescues would be at the CIR parking lot. All defendants settled. https://www.linkedin.com/company/firehouse-magazine. A group of people share embraces while standing in front of the wreckage of The Station nightclub in West Warwick, R.I., Sunday, Feb. 23, 2003 where at least 96 concertgoers died in a fire Thursday night. He gave them to the Probation Department that contacted the families to distribute these letters. Chiefs from several departments made CISM participation mandatory. Does your department have a "prevention first" mindset? Legal proceedings are ongoing. Within. Prevention activities should be supported, and inspectors held to a high standard. On Cowesett Road, WFD Tower Ladder 1 was approached by many injured and the officer led them to triage. mark handler. A 2005 seminar estimated 20 to 30 critical third-degree burn victims were saved by firefighters. Images of Meredith Kercher's body have been redacted. The fire, which killed at least 54 people, resulted from a pyrotechnics display during the first song of Great White's set. 230 were injured. develop computer models to assist communities in allocating resources. this aint good. He ineffectually tossed the contents of a water bottle at a wall. finds relevant news, identifies important training information, CNN reported, A statement released by brothers Michael and Jeffrey Derderian [co-owners of the Station nightclub] read: At no time did either owner have prior knowledge that pyrotechnics were going to be used by the band Great White., Dominic Santana, owner of the New Jersey nightclub Stone Pony, claimed Great White had used pyrotechnics during a show at his nightclub without permission. The second, misdemeanor manslaughter, results from a lesser crime in which death results., Against the advice of his lawyers, Biechele entered into a plea agreement by which he pled guilty to 100 counts of involuntary manslaughter on February 7, 2006.