Greeley Man Charged in Fatal Apartment Explosion Last Month
The Weld County District Attorney's Office has charged a Greeley man in connection with a fatal apartment explosion that occurred last month.
According to a press release, Matthew Fry, 29, is facing seven charges in relation to the incident:
- Extraction of Marijuana Concentrate (DF2)
- Assault in the Second Degree (F3)
- Assault in the Second Degree (F3)
- Manslaughter (F4)
- Fourth Degree Arson (F4)
- Fourth Degree Arson (F4)
- Fourth Degree Arson (F4)
Authorities suspect that Fry caused the explosion when he was extracting hash oil with butane from marijuana. He appeared in court for his advisement hearing on Wednesday (April 14).
The incident occurred around 2 a.m. on March 5 at the University Commons apartments (1314 9th Street) in downtown Greeley. The fire from the explosion was extinguished quickly, but 26 firefighters and four ambulances responded to the scene.
At the time, The Greeley Tribune reported that two adult females and one adult male in the apartment building were in serious condition after sustaining severe burns. Three other families had to be displaced as the apartment was "a total loss."
According to Denver7, one of the women later died from her injures.
Deputy District Attorney Patrick Costigan is prosecuting Fry's case. His deposition hearing is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. on May 5 in Division 17.
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