Shawano, Wisconsin – Eighteen-year-old Samuel Armstrong, the teenager responsible for a bonfire explosion in Maple Grove that injured 17 people, has been sentenced to one year in jail. The sentence could be reduced to six months with good behavior, in addition to a five-year probation period. Armstrong pleaded no contest to 13 felony charges of negligent use of a weapon or explosive in February. The incident occurred when Armstrong poured a gas-diesel mixture onto a bonfire at a homecoming party, resulting in injuries to 17 teenagers.
During the sentencing, Shawano County Judge Katherine Sloma emphasized Armstrong’s lack of good judgment in choosing to pour the mixture onto the fire. Armstrong, who admitted to drinking beer, turned himself in to the police the day after the incident. A juvenile involved in the act is still being processed in juvenile court as a minor. Despite the physical and emotional wounds suffered by the victims and their families, many have chosen to forgive Armstrong.
In the courtroom, Greg Van Asten, the father of one of the victims, expressed forgiveness towards Armstrong and encouraged him to make positive choices in the future. Similarly, Julie Van Asten came to terms with forgiveness after reading the police report, which detailed Armstrong’s efforts to help extinguish the fire that injured another individual.
Armstrong has until May 30th to surrender himself to jail, a decision made in agreement with the judge, district attorney, and defense to allow him to participate in his graduation ceremony. As part of the state’s plea offer, Armstrong may receive a withheld sentence with five years of probation and a one-year county jail term, with the possibility of six months being stayed for good behavior.
In court, Shawano County District Attorney Gregory Parker discussed Armstrong’s future plans, including working in construction to save money for restitution. Armstrong also has the option to transfer to Brown County Jail, where he could potentially be released with an electronic monitoring bracelet to work with highway construction crews. The discussions underscore the focus on rehabilitation and accountability in Armstrong’s journey towards restitution.