Teen Pleads Guilty To Arson In Plant Fire That Killed Friend

LOCKPORT, N.Y. (AP) — A 14-year-old boy has pleaded guilty to starting a fire that ripped through a western New York tire recycling plant last summer, killing a teenage friend who was with him and forcing evacuations of nearby homes.

The teen pleaded guilty Thursday in Niagara County Family Court to arson and burglary charges stemming from the fire at the High Tread International in Lockport.

The teenager and 14-year-old Joseph Phillips got into the plant last Aug. 10 and started lighting fires. Authorities say Phillips became trapped in a building and was killed. His body wasn't found until after firefighters spent nearly two days extinguishing the blaze.

The teen on trial was also charged with criminally negligent homicide. Officials say the victim's family and the defendant's family agreed to the plea deal.