A man who set fire to a Wellington hostel, resulting in five deaths, has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum non-parole period of 22 years.
Loafers Lodge Fire: Sentencing
Esarona David Lologa, 50, was found guilty after a five-week trial in September of intentionally lighting the fire at Loafers Lodge in Newtown on May 16, 2023.
The victims were identified as Michael Eric Wahrlich, 67, also known as Mike the Juggler; Melvin Parun, 68; Kenneth Barnard, 67; Peter Glenn O’Sullivan, 64; and Liam James Hockings, 50.
During the trial, Lologa unsuccessfully argued a defense of insanity, claiming he acted on the command of voices. However, the Crown argued he was aware his actions were wrong and motivated by dissatisfaction with his living situation at the hostel.
The jury, comprised of six women and four men, deliberated for 17 hours before reaching a guilty verdict on five counts of murder and one count of arson.
A separate trial is expected to begin next year involving four other individuals facing manslaughter charges related to the fire. These charges stem from an investigation into whether the building’s condition and fire safety system management contributed to the tragedy.
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