Two men who set a building on fire, causing the death of a Philadelphia fire lieutenant, showed severe disregard for human life, according to a judge.

Two men involved in the 2022 arson of a building in Fairhill, Pennsylvania, with the intent to collect a substantial insurance payout, were sentenced to lengthy prison terms following the tragic consequences of their actions. The fire, which resulted in the collapse of the structure, claimed the life of Philadelphia Fire Department Lieutenant Sean Williamson and injured five other firefighters.

U.S. District Judge Cynthia M. Rufe issued the sentences, emphasizing the defendants’ “depraved indifference to human life” and highlighting their actions as motivated purely by self-interest. The judge stated that Al-Ashraf Khalil and Isaam Jaghama acted without regard for the potential repercussions of their decisions, which resulted in far-reaching devastation.

Khalil, the owner of the building located on the 300 block of West Indiana Avenue, was sentenced to 40 years in prison, while Jaghama received a 25-year sentence. Both men, aged 32, faced the possibility of life imprisonment due to the severe nature of their crimes. As they received their sentences, both expressed remorse, albeit after a sustained period of denial regarding their involvement.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Reinitz highlighted that their expressions of regret came too late, noting that both men had initially lied to investigators. Khalil attempted to flee the United States shortly after the incident, and the duo went to trial asserting that fire officials bore some responsibility for the disaster. This defense was criticized by Williamson’s sister, Erin Williamson, who argued that the defendants were merely trying to evade accountability for their actions.

The fire was deliberately set in the early hours of June 18, 2022, by Khalil, who had purchased the building with plans for renovation and profit. When these plans began to falter, he resorted to arson in an attempt to cash in on an insurance policy valued at approximately 0,000. Surveillance footage revealed the two men entering the building shortly before the fire began, with Khalil having tenants residing within the upper floors, including children. Fortunately, all occupants were able to escape unharmed, though they lost nearly all their personal belongings.

Tragically, after firefighters extinguished the blaze, the building sustained significant smoke and water damage, leading to its collapse as first responders conducted a thorough inspection. Lieutenant Williamson, a dedicated member of the fire department with 27 years of service, lost his life while four firefighters and a Department of Licenses and Inspections inspector sustained injuries but survived.

Days following the fire, Khalil filed an insurance claim and attempted to flee to Jordan but was apprehended at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York City. Jaghama, who was arrested over a year later, was found to have provided misleading information to law enforcement.

With Khalil facing a potential deportation following his imprisonment due to his criminal actions, the case underscores the devastating effects of greed and the tragic consequences that can arise from deliberate criminal acts. The court proceedings serve as a reminder of both the legal repercussions of such actions and the profound impact on the community left to mourn the loss of a dedicated public servant.