U.P. man found guilty of first degree murder & arson

MARQUETTE — After four days of trial, the jury reached their verdict for Steven Zintman.

46–year–old Steven Zintman’s sentencing will be scheduled on Friday… although by law the mandatory sentencing for first degree arson is life in prison with the possibility of parole. However, the mandatory sentence for first degree murder is life in prison without parole.

“I feel very relieved that the case is done,” said Marquette County Prosecuting Attorney Matt Wiese, “I’m very satisfied with the verdict. The jury was very atttentive, you could tell they were paying attention. There were a lot of topics that were hard for people to hear and deal with, but I think I think it’s something people need to hear about and I think that justice was done today.”

The jury decided that Zintman was responsible for starting the house fire on 609 Valkyrie Street in K.I. Sawyer on May fourth 2014 with the intent of causing harm to Sally Plume. Plume passed away of asphyxia from smoke inhalation.

Some of the key elements to the case included Zintman’s history of aggressive behavior and domestic violence, his chronic alcoholism, and reports given by fire and police officials.

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