By Bill Carey
FireRescue1
SAN ANTONIO — A San Antonio man pleaded no contest to murder and arson charges and was sentenced to 30 years in jail as part of a plea agreement in the death of San Antonio firefighter Scott Deem in 2017.
Emond Johnson was charged with felony murder and arson resulting in bodily injury or death and sentenced with no right to appeal, News 4 San Antonio reported.
Johnson had deliberately set fire to his gym, The Spartan Box, to get out of his lease. Firefighter Scott Deem was killed and firefighters Brad Phipps and Robert Vasquez were severely injured.
“We had every intention of going forward and trying this case, ultimately, it was the wish of the family and the victim of this case to resolve this case and that’s exactly what we have done.” Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzalez told Fox 29.
“Tonight, we can celebrate closure but it’s like pulling a scab off of a deep, painful wound,” Fire Chief Charles Hood said.
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