Firefighter: Partitions led to 'Black Sunday' deaths

Jurors in the 'Black Sunday' trial heard again Tuesday from firefighter Brendan Cawley, who survived the Bronx blaze that killed two of his colleagues in 2005. According to Cawley, illegal partitions

News 12 Staff

Feb 3, 2009, 11:44 PM

Updated 5,560 days ago

Share:

Firefighter: Partitions led to 'Black Sunday' deaths
Jurors in the 'Black Sunday' trial heard again Tuesday from firefighter Brendan Cawley, who survived the Bronx blaze that killed two of his colleagues in 2005.
According to Cawley, illegal partitions that were allegedly put up inside an East 178th Street apartment led to the deaths of Lt. Curtis Meyran and firefighter John Bellew, who leaped from the fourth floor of the burning building after getting trapped inside.
"There was decades of experience up there that never found that side of the apartment, and that wall is what created that, that's why we're here today," said Cawley, explaining why he and other firefighters were forced to jump.
In other testimony at the Bronx County Hall of Justice, Fire Marshal Raymond Ott agreed with Cawley, saying that spliced copper wires running through the apartment served to provide electricity for illegal bedrooms created by the illegal partitions.
Cesar Rios, the Bronx building's landlord, and tenants Rafael Castillo and Caridad Coste have been charged with manslaughter for allegedly contributing to the deaths of Meyran and Bellew by creating illegal partitions in the building.
Building superintendent testifies at 'Black Sunday' trial Ex-firefighter testifies in day 11 of 'Black Sunday' trial Surviving 'Black Sunday' firefighter cross-examined Surviving firefighter testifies in 'Black Sunday' trial Jurors hear radio transmissions in 'Black Sunday' trialTestimony continues in 'Black Sunday' trial Defendants in 'Black Sunday' case go on trial


More from News 12
2:15
SUV crashes through Dunkin' in Old Bridge

SUV crashes through Dunkin' in Old Bridge

1:47
Cold start ahead of a beautiful, sunny afternoon for New Jersey

Cold start ahead of a beautiful, sunny afternoon for New Jersey

2:17
South Brunswick implements plan to prevent fatal crashes

South Brunswick implements plan to prevent fatal crashes

0:42
Former NJ national guardsman who set off large FBI manhunt pleads guilty to capitol riot charges

Former NJ national guardsman who set off large FBI manhunt pleads guilty to capitol riot charges

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

0:28
Former Carteret middle school teacher accused of sexually assaulting student

Former Carteret middle school teacher accused of sexually assaulting student

2:34
KIYC: NJ mayors call for tougher penalties for young criminals, but are juvenile crime stats increasing?

KIYC: NJ mayors call for tougher penalties for young criminals, but are juvenile crime stats increasing?

0:33
Somerville man indicted in murder of high school classmate

Somerville man indicted in murder of high school classmate

0:27
Police: Bronx man beaten, stabbed at Showboat Resort Atlantic City; 1 arrested

Police: Bronx man beaten, stabbed at Showboat Resort Atlantic City; 1 arrested

2:28
Main Street New Jersey: Showcasing the best of North Brunswick

Main Street New Jersey: Showcasing the best of North Brunswick

2:34
Airlines now required to give automatic cash refunds for canceled, delayed flights

Airlines now required to give automatic cash refunds for canceled, delayed flights

1:37
Guide: How to dispose of prescription medicines in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York

Guide: How to dispose of prescription medicines in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York

0:23
New York Giants add explosive receiving threat, taking Malik Nabers of LSU at No. 6 in NFL draft

New York Giants add explosive receiving threat, taking Malik Nabers of LSU at No. 6 in NFL draft

0:17
Jets trade down a spot, take Penn State offensive tackle Olu Fashanu at No. 11 in NFL draft

Jets trade down a spot, take Penn State offensive tackle Olu Fashanu at No. 11 in NFL draft

1:00
The East End: McCall Wines in Cutchogue

The East End: McCall Wines in Cutchogue

10:25
Gov. Murphy answers viewers questions on ‘Ask Gov. Murphy’ program - April 25, 2024

Gov. Murphy answers viewers questions on ‘Ask Gov. Murphy’ program - April 25, 2024

0:25
Police: Homeowner injured in fire at Marlboro home

Police: Homeowner injured in fire at Marlboro home

Gusts of activity underway by friends and foes of offshore wind energy projects

Gusts of activity underway by friends and foes of offshore wind energy projects

0:39
Jersey Proud: US Coast Guard lands helicopter at school for career day

Jersey Proud: US Coast Guard lands helicopter at school for career day

2:25
‘Goal: Zero’ aims to make New Jersey’s roadways safer for the community

‘Goal: Zero’ aims to make New Jersey’s roadways safer for the community