Man sentenced to 7 years in prison for Phoenix firefighter's death

PHOENIX - A man convicted of killing a Phoenix firefighter has been sentenced to seven years in prison Friday.

Christopher Benitez was convicted of negligent homicide and arson in April. Fire officials said Benitez set cardboard boxes on fire at a Valley supermarket in 2001. The fire jumped to the building and spread through the attic. Bret Tarver, a Phoenix firefighter, died from burns and smoke inhalation as he battled the fire.

“We never would have been in that building,” said Assistant Chief Kevin Kalkbrenner with the Phoenix fire department. “We never would have had to commit firefighters so deep into that building, and Bret Tarver would have never died that day if this fire hadn't been deliberately set.”

Benitez did not admit guilt and said he believes someone else will eventually admit to starting the fire.

“I don’t know why I have to go through all this,” Benitez said.

Benitez will get credit for the 699 days he’s already served in jail.

“I can tell you I’ve seen lenient sentences and this is not a lenient sentence under these circumstances,” said Judge Glenn Davis.

In November, a jury failed to reach a verdict on the case, and a mistrial was declared.