Convicted Arsonist To Be Retried Over Fire That Killed 3 Firefighters

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – The man convicted of starting a fire 20 years ago that killed three firefighters will be re-tried.

The Allegheny County District Attorney's office released this statement saying quote:

"The Superior Court has directed that the matter of this arson committed in February of 1995, which resulted in the deaths of three firefighters, must be re-tried. The Commonwealth will re-try this case."

Fire Capt. Thomas Brooks and firefighters Patty Conroy and Mark Kolenda were killed in the blaze on Bricelyn Street.

Gregory Brown's attorney Dave Fawcett is pleased with the decision.

"It's been a long road for the family, and Greg Brown's been in prison all of his adult life for a crime he didn't commit," Fawcett said.

Brown, who is now 38, is currently in the Allegheny County Jail. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole.

"It took us many years to find the evidence that the government conviction was a result of bad government conduct and also bad arson science, so we understand that now and are quite sure there will be a different result," Fawcett said.

Fawcett talked to his client on Monday.

"I gave him the news this morning. Like the rest of the family, he was very relieved," Fawcett said.

Brown's attorney foresees a new trial taking place by the end of the year.

KDKA reached out to the Pittsburgh Firefighter's Union Monday night, but they didn't have a comment.

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