LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A Floyd County teenager who admitted to starting a house fire on Father's Day that resulted in his uncle's death was sentenced Wednesday to 17.5 years in prison.
A judge sentenced 15-year-old Adam Hersker after he pleaded guilty to arson resulting in serious bodily injury, a level 2 felony.
The incident took place at a home on Andrea Drive in Floyds Knobs, Indiana, on June 16. According to court documents, Hersker got into an argument with Michael and Dorothy Hersker, his aunt and uncle. He then poured gasoline on the carpet of the home and lit it with a match.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Adam said he, "wanted to severely hurt" his uncle and aunt, who had legal guardianship of him since he was 2 years old.
Michael Hersker, age 47, suffered burns to most of his body and died two weeks after the incident. Dorothy Hersker also suffered burns. Authorities say the pair were burned when they went back into the home to make sure their three children were safe.
Michael Hersker died from his injuries in the Father's Day fire.
During Wednesday's sentencing hearing, Dorothy Hersker read a statement. She said they always did their best to give Adam the love and support he needed. She said this has caused her "the greatest heartache" to lose her home, belongings, husband and Adam.
"Not knowing your intentions is something we'll always have to live with," she said.
Adam was sobbing as his aunt looked at him and said she loves him and forgives him. She said the family is choosing "to let go of the anger so that we can move forward."
Adam did not make a statement, but his biological father did. Thomas Hersker asked the judge to make sure his son serves the full sentence so that "he can learn his lesson and come out of this a responsible man."
The judge accepted the plea deal and sentenced 17.5 years. But after hearing Dorothy Hersker's statement, the judge said that influenced him to place Adam in a state juvenile facility with the Division of Youth Services. Once Adam turns 18, there will be a hearing, and the judge can decide to modify the sentence. The judge told Adam that he is being given an opportunity that not many people get.
Thomas Hersker was emotional after the sentencing, conflicted with losing his brother at the hands of his son.
"My brother did everything for my children, way above and beyond what any uncle would have to do."
He called it a malicious crime and does not believe his son should have the chance to be released at 18.
"He's old enough to know what he did," he said. "And like his aunt said, he took a chance at killing everyone in the house. With the possibility that he could be out in three years, it's unacceptable. There's no justice for my brother today."
Michael Hersker, 47, of Floyds Knobs, Indiana. Image courtesy Newcomer Kentuckiana.
Adam Hersker's two siblings made it out of the house, but the couple could not find Adam. Dorothy Hersker told police on the night of the fire that her nephew has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, known as ADHD, and anger issues and that he had run away from home, but he'd returned. She and her husband weren't sure if he was in the house.
"I've lost two today," Thomas Hersker said. "My brother was a great man. But my brother ran in and out of that house while he was on fire looking for my son, who did this. If my son would've just came out of the woods and said, 'Uncle Mike, here I am. Stop doing it!' My brother might've still been with us here today."
Police say they found Adam hours later at a house down the street.
He will be transferred to the state juvenile facility next Wednesday.
Related Stories:
- Southern Indiana teen pleads guilty to fatal Father's Day fire
- Southern Indiana teen charged with arson in connection to fire that killed his uncle
- 2 hospitalized following house fire in southern Indiana
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