Man freed following plea deal in 1995 fire deaths

BATTLE CREEK (AP) - A Battle Creek man who was granted a new trial after his conviction in the 1995 fire-related deaths of two young brothers in southern Michigan has been freed following a plea deal in the case. Andrew Babick, 48, who had been serving a life sentence for felony murder, left the Calhoun County courthouse Wednesday, the Battle Creek Enquirer reported. Babick was granted a new trial in November after the Michigan Innocence Clinic at the University of Michigan Law School argued he was convicted because of faulty science pointing to arson. "I want to thank you guys with all of my heart," Babick said as he embraced family in the courthouse parking lot. "I am so happy that it is finally over. I am sad for the family but happy that it is over." Rather than going to trial, Babick pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in an agreement with the state attorney general's office. Babick already served 18 years in prison, more than the 15-year maximum penalty for the new charge, so Judge Sarah Lincoln ordered his release. Babick was accused of starting a house fire in September 1995 because he was mad at a man who sold him crack cocaine. Babick denied that. Two adults escaped, but 3-year-old Le'Daryus Fields and 2-year-old Le'Tonio Briggs died. He was convicted and then sentenced Dec. 20, 1996. In his guilty plea, Babick said he fell asleep on a couch on the porch of the house while smoking a cigarette. Before he was released, the mother and sister of the dead boys spoke to the court. "The last time I was in a courtroom was when this man was sentenced for murdering my two sons," Jacqueline Caldwell said. "I was told he would get two life sentences. I told him I would forgive him but I would never forget." LeKiya Fields, 24, said she was only 5 when her brothers were killed. "I forgive this man, but after taking two lives he can make up for the time that was lost, but I can't," she said. "I am reminded of my brothers in an obituary." Published: Fri, Feb 06, 2015