Nightclub fire trial could last months

WARWICK, R.I., Sept. 5 (UPI) -- Prospective jurors in the trial of the co-owner of a Rhode Island nightclub, where a fire killed 100, were told the trial could last three or four months.

One hundred nine people appeared in Kent County Courthouse, the first of four groups over two days. The court seeks 16 people -- 12 jurors and four alternates -- for the duration of the trial.

Michael Derderian, 45, will be the first to stand trial for the February 2003 fire. He faces 200 counts of involuntary manslaughter, the Providence (R.I.) Journal reported.

"This case is going to be a lengthy matter, there's no doubt about that," Superior Court Judge Francis J. Darigan Jr. told the crowd.

The nightclub's flammable wall coverings helped spread the fire begun by a band's special effects.

Derderian has been charged with 200 counts of involuntary manslaughter, two for each of those who died. Under misdemeanor manslaughter theory, prosecutors must prove Derderian violated a state fire-code provision banning flammable wall coverings used as soundproofing. Under criminal negligence theory, prosecutors must prove that Derderian knew he was putting customers in danger and ignored the risks.