Tour Manager of Great White Accepts Plea Bargain

By Merylee Robbins

Published on February 03, 2006

The charges against Biechele stem from the April 2003 catastrophic Rhode Island club fire, which occurred as a result of Great White's pyrotechnics display. The incident killed 100 concertgoers inside of The Station Club and injured hundreds more. Bichelle admitted responsibility for setting off the pyrotechnics and was indicted on 200 counts of involuntary manslaughter for both criminal negligence and underlying contributory offenses. If Biechele had pleaded not guilty and faced trial, he could have served a maximum 30-year term for each count of involuntary manslaughter.

Club owners Jeffrey and Michael Derderian have also been charged with 200 counts of manslaughter for violating state fire code by installing flammable foam at The Station Club. Biechele previously stated that the Derderians gave him permission to set off the pyrotechnics. The Derderians have plead innocent to all criminal charges and deny giving Biechele consent to ignite the deadly display.

Many of those injured in the fire and families of those killed are outraged by Biechele's plea bargain. Great White, The Derderians and Biechele still face numerous state and federal wrongful death lawsuits.

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