Ponderings of jurors ongoing in the court case of the Sterling dwelling explosion tragedy that claimed the life of a firefighter
In the ongoing trial in Sterling, retired gas technician Roger Bentley, 68, is facing charges of involuntary manslaughter and three fire code violations in connection with a house explosion that occurred in 2023[1][3]. The incident resulted in the death of 45-year-old volunteer firefighter Trevor Brown, injured 13 others, and caused significant damage to a home and six nearby structures.
Bentley, a former employee of the Southern States Cooperative, is being scrutinized for his handling of a dangerous propane leak at the Sterling home prior to the explosion[1]. According to reports, Bentley was at the home hours before the explosion occurred[2].
The prosecution argues that Bentley displayed gross negligence by not properly addressing the propane leak, which they claim directly contributed to the subsequent explosion[2]. As a former gas technician, Bentley is being held accountable for whether he failed to report or mitigate the leak, a responsibility that may be expected given his expertise[1][2].
However, the defense claims that Bentley is being made a "fall guy." They argue that Bentley worked as a propane technician with a "spotless safety record" for about 40 years and would never have knowingly left a leaking tank[4]. Bentley retired shortly after the incident.
The defense also argues that Bentley smelled gas at the scene, but it is normal after a tank has been filled, and he performed tests that gave no indication of a leak[4]. Neighbors reported the distinct "rotten egg" odor of gas, but Bentley dismissed the situation.
Much of the closing arguments centered on a disagreement over whether Bentley knew there was a propane leak in the tank after he visited the house at 347 Silver Ridge Drive in the afternoon. Prosecutors argue that Bentley didn't need to say there was a leak, but his actions and conversations implied knowledge of a leak[4].
For instance, Bentley warned Kelley Woods, the homeowner, that the tank needed to be replaced and offered to do the work the following Monday[2]. Bentley radioed dispatch again, saying it wasn't urgent, just 25 minutes before the blast[2]. The defense attorney also stated that Woods assumed Bentley knew about the leak, but never actually told him[2].
The defense further argues that others in the neighborhood who smelled gas also had the opportunity to call 911[4]. However, the prosecution claims that Bentley was required to report a leak but instead tried to downplay the danger and left the scene[4].
The trial is currently in the jury deliberation stage, with closing arguments lasting about three hours on Wednesday[5]. The outcome of the trial will determine Bentley's responsibility for the Sterling house explosion.
Politics may become involved as the public reacts to the trial's outcome, potentially questioning regulations and enforcement in the realm of crime and justice, such as propane tank safety inspections. The general-news media will likely report on the progress and eventual verdict of the case, keeping the public informed about developments in the life-altering event at 347 Silver Ridge Drive in Sterling.
