A federal judge sentenced a hunter yesterday to five years probation and community service for setting the largest wildfire in San Diego history. The 2003 Cedar fire killed 15 people and destroyed 24 hundred homes. Sergio Martinez apologized to the victims and said living with the knowledge of what he did is killing him. KPBS Reporter Amita Sharma has details.
In explaining his sentence, Judge Roger Benitez said he wanted to send a message that people need to be responsible for their actions. But he also wanted them to know the law does not lack compassion or understanding for how things happen. The portly Martinez said he started the fire to get the attention of rescuers after he got lost in the Cleveland National Forest and thought he was going to die. He said he prays for the victims of the fire everyday.
Martinez: "I wish I would have died out there and not put myself through any of this."
Several people told the judge while Martinez may have started the fire, county and state emergency officials let the blaze get out of control. Bonnie Right lost her home in the fire.
Right: "Sergio has really stepped up to the plate and said this is my responsibility here. Now it's their turn."
Amita Sharma, KPBS News.
