FLINT, MI – A Flint man was sentenced to spend the rest of his life in prison after setting his father’s apartment on fire while he was inside and causing his death in 2023.

Franklin La-Wan Richard, 42, was found guilty by a jury of killing Fred Gordon, 78, when he set the fire on Penbrook Lane in Flint.

Richard was convicted of first-degree murder, felony murder and arson in September , according to court records.

Genesee County Circuit Court Judge Khary Hanible sentenced Richard to life in prison without the chance of parole on Oct. 27.

A tenant of the apartment below Gordon’s called 911 on Aug. 23, 2023, to report a domestic situation earlier in the evening.

Later, she heard Richard say he was going to burn the place down, according to a news release from the Genesee County Prose

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