Beatriz Fana-Ruiz, 30 – the woman who set fire to a home, leading to the deaths of three Wilmington firefighters – was sentenced to 30 years in prison.
According to prosecutors, in September 2016, Fana-Ruiz, angry about her living situation and dealing with other issues, set a fire in the basement of the home where she was staying in the 1900 block of Lakeview Road in the Canby Park section of Wilmington.
The fire quickly spread into the ceiling and weakened the floor joists. Lt. Christopher Leach and Senior Firefighter Ardythe Hope died as a result of injuries they suffered when the first floor collapsed causing them to fall into the burning basement.
Firefighter Brad Speakman was also seriously injured when he also fell into the basement. Senior/Firefighter Jerry Fickes was killed as he tried to pull Lt. Leach from the fire and another portion of the ceiling collapsed.
In August 2019, Fana-Ruiz pleaded guilty to Murder Second Degree, Arson First Degree, and Assault First Degree. A Superior Court Judge sentenced Fana-Ruiz to 30 years in prison, followed by two and one-half years probation.
The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has filed a detainer against Fana-Ruiz, seeking her deportation to her home country of the Dominican Republic when released from custody in Delaware.
Attorney General Kathleen Jennings made the following comment on the sentence for Fana-Ruiz: “This horrific tragedy reminds us of the danger Delaware’s first responders knowingly and willingly put themselves in every day to protect us. I thank our prosecution team and those who investigated the case, but most importantly I continue to extend my and DOJ’s sympathies to the families and friends of the firefighters who were killed and injured, as well as to the still grieving Wilmington Fire Department.”
