The man who burned down two Thornton condominium buildings will spend the rest of his life in prison.
Martin Castruita Espinoza was sentenced Thursday for dozens of counts of attempted first-degree murder and arson. Espinoza’s next 160 years will be behind bars.
Flames destroyed 18 units at the Corona Village Condominium complex on Corona Street last March. Two residents and two firefighters were hurt. Many pets died in the fire, as well.
A jury found Espinoza, 22, guilty in August. Part of his trial included evidence provided by 7NEWS. He gave a tearful interview as the condos burned; he described his experience running out of the fire as firefighters and paramedics worked in the background.
Previous: Jury convicts arsonist who gave tearful interview to 7NEWS
Thornton fire: Suspect hit with dozens of charges
Adams County District Judge Wasserman sentenced Espinoza to 16 years in prison on 10 counts of attempted first-degree murder, totaling 160 years. The judge said the other sentences would be concurrent to that one because Espinoza will not be eligible for parole for the rest of his natural life.