Last of three defendants sentenced in fatal fire case | News, Sports, Jobs

Staff photo / Chris McBride Zackary Gurd stands with his attorney Kevin Michael Cafferkey during a sentencing hearing in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court on Wednesday. Gurd was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for his role in the arson that killed 16-year-old Chassidy Broadstone in January 2023.

WARREN – The final defendant in a fatal arson case in the city’s northwest side was sentenced Wednesday in a Trumbull County Common Pleas courtroom.

Zackary Gurd, 25, was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for his role in the January 19, 2023 fire that killed 16-year-old Chassidy Broadstone at 429 Nevada Avenue NW.

Gurd was charged with two counts of aggravated murder, two counts of aggravated arson, aggravated burglary, two counts of attempted aggravated murder and tampering with evidence.

His verdict was the last one to be handed down in connection with Chassidy’s death.

Brendan Daviduk, 30, was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after serving 32 years for aggravated murder, attempted aggravated murder, aggravated arson and aggravated burglary.

Another co-defendant, 29-year-old Patricia Zarlingo, was sentenced to 35 years to life in prison after pleading guilty to aggravated murder, two counts of aggravated arson, aggravated burglary and tampering with evidence.

Gurd’s sentence was handed down by Judge Cynthia Rice after an emotional hearing attended by Broadstone’s family, Gurd’s family and Gurd himself.

Rose Richards, Chassidy’s mother, looked at Gurd, who was standing just a few feet away, and said: “You are in control of my life because I hated strangers and today I can say that I forgive you. Yes, I am still angry with you, but in order to heal I must forgive you and I hope you find God.”

James Stein, Broadstone’s stepfather, read key passages from the Bible, emphasizing the message of forgiveness.

“I am no longer angry with you. I have found peace in the love of the Lord. I hope you can find the same peace and know Him.” said Stone.

Both Richards and Stein said after the hearing that they plan to create a nonprofit organization in memory of Chassidy.

Roger Broadstone, Chassidy’s father, turned to Gurd and said: “Zack, I can’t believe you did that.” He added that his daughter loved Gurd and considered him an uncle.

“I hope you burn in hell for what you did. Now I have to wear my baby around my neck because of you.” Said Broadstone.

The court also heard Chassidy’s sisters Jazmine Dickey, Laila Broadstone and Leeah Bash. Jazmine and Lalia escaped from the house, while Laila suffered injuries after jumping from a second-story window.

When it was Gurd’s turn to speak, he asked to see Chassidy’s family.

“I will regret it until my death,” he said. “If I could give my life to bring her back, I would. I watched her and Laila grow up. I love them. But those of you who know me know that I never intended to hurt children, and that doesn’t excuse my actions. I will never forgive myself for what happened, and I owe you all a debt that I can never repay. I am forever in debt, but again, one that I cannot repay.”

Several of Gurd’s family members and friends also spoke, providing insight into his difficult life. Each described a young man who faced numerous challenges, including a drug-addicted mother, and was shuffled between several caregivers before finally ending up in the home of Zarlingo, who the defense said enticed Gurd to commit the crime.

Assistant District Attorney Christopher Becker said he was pleased with the life sentences he received in three cases, but acknowledged he would have preferred a harsher sentence of 40 to 60 years or life imprisonment.

Becker thanked Warren Police Detective Mike Altiere and other investigators for gathering key evidence, including cell phone records, camera footage, surveillance footage from the house and video from the gas station where the defendants filled the gas cans. He said their work created a timeline of events that made it possible to “an easy case to present to a jury.”

“If the case had gone to court, they would all have been convicted,” said Becker.

At the beginning of the investigation, the police released a surveillance camera image showing Gurd carrying a can of gasoline into the house on the night of the fire, identifying him as a suspect.

After the incident, he fled the area. U.S. Marshals arrested him in Chester, Virginia. He was returned to Ohio to face charges.

Daviduk and Zarlingo were arrested on February 1 at their home on Youngstown’s West Side.