WEST CHESTER, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — The 33-year-old woman who set the fire that destroyed a North Coventry apartment complex forced more than 100 people out of their homes, and caused more than $6 million in damage will spend at least a decade in state prison.
Chester County judge David Bortner sentenced Toni Kirk to 10 to 20 years in state prison.
Handing down the sentence, Bortner noted Kirk dealt with many challenges during her life, calling her a “victim of circumstances.” The judge noted Kirk’s had a hard life, but he also pointed out she never took direct responsibility for starting the July 2020 fire that destroyed the Ashwood Apartment Complex, even testifying at her trial that she didn’t set it.
Kirk was convicted at trial of 21 counts, including aggravated assault and causing a catastrophe.
During her sentencing hearing, Kirk tearfully apologized to residents in the courtroom.
Residents of the apartment building lost all their belongings, many pets were also killed in the fire, including one belonging to a man who testified at Kirk’s sentencing, saying he lived alone and his cat made the days more bearable.
Another resident testified the fire left her and her two children homeless for six months at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, as she was unable to find housing she could afford where she felt safe.
Kirk says she was addicted to several drugs, regularly using methamphetamine, opioids, cocaine and others. She says the fire was an act of addiction and she wished it never happened.
Prosecutors say, because of Kirk’s actions, people who were already struggling were nearly ruined by the fire.
Kirk has been behind bars since October 2020 and she will get credit for the just-over three years that she’s been in jail.