Judge: Sentence in firefighter's death stands

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- A Kanawha County judge would not reconsider a six-year sentence for a man convicted last year of starting a fire near the Steven Wayne Smith Memorial Bridge, indirectly causing the death of a Davis Creek firefighter who fell from the bridge while trying to locate the blaze.

Circuit Judge Tod Kaufman said Tuesday the sentence he originally levied against Charles Darren Roberts -- consecutive prison terms on charges of arson and involuntary manslaughter in the death of Joey King -- sent the "appropriate message" and declined a motion from Roberts' lawyers to essentially shave time from his punishment.