[catman]

3 Suspects In Firefighter's Death Appear In Court
2 Men, 1 Woman Face Murder Charges For Ballroom Blaze

POSTED: 8:49 a.m. CDT April 14, 2004
UPDATED: 3:07 p.m. CDT April 14, 2004


Story by Click2Houston

HOUSTON -- Three suspects charged with setting a ballroom fire that killed a Houston firefighter appeared in court Wednesday.



Brian Wiener, 23, Patricia Praker, 29, and Jeremy Robinson, 32, were arrested Sunday in Dallas. They were in a Harris County courtroom Wednesday morning on a probable cause hearing. The judge then scheduled their arraignment for May 18.

The suspects are charged with murder and are accused of helping James Guevara, 20, set a fire at the El Festival Ballroom, 7610 Kempwood, in northwest Houston on April 4.

Police said Guevara admitted setting the fire because of an ongoing child custody dispute with his estranged wife, who worked at the ballroom.

Guevara was arrested on April 6 and charged with capital murder.

Kevin Kulow, 32, was killed as he battled the ballroom blaze. Three other firefighters were injured.


Donation Funds Set Up
The 100 Club, a nonprofit organization that benefits the families of fallen officials, and The Last Alarm Club of Houston set up funds for Kulow's family.



Contributions can be made to:

100-Club Survivor's Fund
1233 West Loop S.
Suite 1250
Houston, TX 77027

The Last Alarm Club of Houston
1907 Freeman
Houston, TX 77009