CHICAGO (AP) - A Chicago man has been sentenced to life in prison for a 2000 grocery store arson that killed two employees.
Cook County prosecutors say 31-year-old Eric Brooks was sentenced after being convicted of first-degree murder. The blaze was set at Mike and Sons Food and Liquors on Chicago’s West Side. Prosecutors say the blaze was part of a plan to collect insurance money.
Prosecutors say Brocks wore a ski mask when he doused a potato chip rack with gasoline and lit a match. Employees and customers rushed out, however employee 37-year-old Annie Reed tried to save co-worker 25-year-old Hafari Smith. Both women were found dead in small office on the store’s second floor.
A second man has pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing. Prosecutors suspect a third, uncharged offender.
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