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September 29, 2006

Station Fire: Frustration, tears in overflow courtroom / Photo

Journal photo / Bob Breidenbach
Jay McLaughlin gives his victim impact statement in the Station fire case today. Back in the overflow courtroom, some cheered as McLaughlin said that justice was not served.

WARWICK -- As relatives of Station fire victims gave their statements this morning, observers packed the overflow courtroom at the Kent County Courthouse to watch the proceedings on a video screen.

At times, they sniffled and cried. Sheriffs passed out tissues. And, unlike the main courtroom, where Judge Francis J. Darigan is keeping a tight rein on comments from the floor, they freely vented their feelings.

Some cheered as Jay McLaughlin talked about justice not being served.

Others expressed digust with the judge for his already-announced decisions on the sentences for the Derderian brothers.

And many were frustrated just with the effort to hear the proceedings on the video screen, as the audio feed stumbled or came in too low.

As the court took a 20-minute break shortly before 10 a.m., and people took to the hallways, tears fell and hugs were given.

-- With reports from projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson

Posted by Andrea Panciera  at 10:57 AM | Permalink

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