Plainsman1963

10-13-2004 | Star Telegram

PHILADELPHIA - A judge threw out murder charges Tuesday against a man whose basement marijuana-growing equipment overheated and started a blaze that killed two firefighters.

Judge Teresa Deni said prosecutors had not shown that Daniel Brough, 35, was acting with malice when he set up high-powered lights and fans to help grow the plants.

The judge ordered Brough to face a trial on numerous other charges, including involuntary manslaughter, marijuana possession and causing a catastrophe.

A tangle of wires caught fire in August at Brough's rowhouse. The firefighters were found unconscious in the basement.

Plains' Note: I could have sworn we had posted the original article when charges were brought. I must be brain dead, 'cause I couldn't find it for the life of me. If somebody finds it, please post a link and I'll merge this one with it as an update.