Pot pair in FDNY deputy death get jail
A Bronx pot grower thanked a heroic FDNY chief for saving his life — then pleaded guilty in the smoke-eater's death.
Julio Salcedo, 36, and his pot-operation boss Garivaldi Castillo, 33, spoke Friday to family and friends of Deputy Chief Michael Fahy at an emotional Bronx Supreme Court sentencing.
Fahy, the 44-year-old father of three, died in a September 2016 gas explosion at the Kingsbridge pot-growing location run by Castillo and tended by Salcedo. The rising FDNY star was mortally injured by a flying piece of slate from the home's roof only minutes after evacuating Salcedo and other residents.
“Chief Fahy is my hero,” wrote Salcedo in a letter read by his attorney. “He saved my life . ... I promise Chief Fahy's family, I will be productive as soon as I get out.”
Authorities charged the duo sealed second-floor windows of the Bronx building with foil, creating the fatal conditions. Fahy was killed when trapped gas exploded.
Fahy's parents and sister sat through the sentencing a month after the defendants reached a historic plea deal.
“For the first time in New York history, the defendants are being held responsible for the conditions that led to the death (of an FDNY officer),” said Assistant District Attorney John Miras.
Castillo, speaking through an interpreter, said: “I didn't want any of this to happen. Any human being … I am incapable of hurting them.”
Castillo was sentenced to two to six years for manslaughter and five years for criminal possession. Salcedo was sentenced to one to three years for manslaughter and four years for possession.