Julio Gonzalez (Happy Land Arsonist) Dead At 61 (live, club)

[BugsyPal]

Seems longer ago than 1990, always seem to remember this as happening in the 1980's.


Arsonist who torched 87 people at Happy Land club dead at 61 - NY Daily News

[Commander Beth]

Clicked through to the original story and pictures ... an unspeakable crime. How can a man be so single-minded and destructive?

87 dead. 60 men and women widowed, 106 children orphaned and on and on.

[BBMW]

I knew he was coming up for parole. Apparently he did, but they didn't give it to him.

[BugsyPal]

Originally Posted by BBMW

I knew he was coming up for parole. Apparently he did, but they didn't give it to him.

Guy was never getting out, in fact he may have been safer where he was. Had Mr. Gonzalez been released where would he go? Plenty of people in that community still remember that fire and doubt he'd be welcomed.


Had he lived until his 80's or beyond could possibly see some sort of compassioned release, but perhaps not even then, and again even in advanced years Mr. Gonzalez may have been safer in prison than out on the streets.

[citylove101]

I've always remembered the Happy Land fire as the worst NYC disaster I could remember , at least until 9/11. It was just horrible and unbearably sad. Maybe now this guy will suffer the flames he caused others to die by, but for all eternity. I certainly hope so.