Over the course of the last week, I have reached out and spoken with the families and loved ones of more than 80 of the 100 victims who perished in The Station fire on the night of February 20, 2003. I have also spoken with many of the people who suffered grievous injuries from the fire, because they also are -- unquestionably -- victims, and because today is also a wrenching day for them.

In every call I have made -- to every mother and father, sister and brother, daughter and son -- I have said the same thing: "My heart goes out to you. I cannot imagine the pain you are experiencing."

My prosecutor, Assistant Attorney General William Ferland, argued the basis for my objection in Court. In my own mind, I never reached a conclusion about the sentences I could agree to. I did, however, know there were two parameters: that any agreement include more jail time for Michael Derderian than Daniel Biechele is currently serving, and that Jeffrey Derderian be sent to jail. Absent these base-line terms, I fully intended to prosecute these two criminal cases at trial.

As my office moves forward from today, and as material and evidence gathered for these cases will begin to be released, we will continue speaking with loved ones and families of the victims. The actual logistics and mechanics of releasing information of such a massive volume -- and doing so as fairly and sensitively as possible for all of the parties involved -- will be a daunting task. Because of this, and because we understand that this will be a very emotional and painful process for the loved ones of victims, we ask for the public's and the media's understanding and patience as we undertake it.

Please know, however, that I will do everything in my power to release the investigative materials from The Station fire cases as quickly as possible.

A day like today reminds us all of the fragility of life -- and of the inadequacy of words. The legal process has closed, but no outcome -- and no amount of time -- will ever close the wounds of all those who suffer.

Today belongs most to those who have suffered the most. Although our words cannot even begin to address the depth of their grief, we will never forget the words they spoke in Court today. We will always remember their courage and strength, both to honor the memory of those lost and to remind us to do everything within our power to prevent future tragedies.