A tragic incident unfolded on February 15, 2017, when Andrew John Eknaty and Carleigh Kaye West’s reckless actions sparked a devastating fire at the Royal Suite Lodge. Consequently, three lives were lost, and several others were injured.
Eknaty and West pleaded guilty to three counts of manslaughter and one consolidated count of first-degree assault. Furthermore, they received 24-year prison sentences for their role in the fatal fire.
On that fateful night, West crashed her vehicle while intoxicated and evading police. Subsequently, Eknaty drove the car to the Royal Suite Lodge and parked under the carport. To destroy evidence, they started a fire in the passenger compartment.
Meanwhile, the fire rapidly spread, claiming the lives of Vivian Hall, Teuaililo Nui, and Laura Kramer. Additionally, many suffered severe injuries, and numerous people lost their homes.
At the sentencing, fire survivors Reuben and Honilyn Holder shared their emotional statements. Although they forgave Eknaty and West, they acknowledged that no sentence could fully alleviate their pain.
Similarly, brother and sister Carl and Corrine Kramer expressed dissatisfaction with the sentence. Corrine Kramer stated, “They’re in jail…some justice will happen…but the plea deal was like a dud.”
The Royal Suite Lodge fire sentencing brings some closure to the families of victims, but the scars of that fateful night remain. Moreover, the incident is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of reckless actions and the importance of accountability.
This news story was originally published by Alaska’s News Source.
