Man with hatchet and fire gets no jail time in plea deal for attacking college students.

Man Convicted of Lighting Students on Fire at U.C. Berkeley May Avoid Jail Time

A Heinous Attack

In 2020, Brandon McGlone committed a heinous attack at U.C. Berkeley. He approached two men eating outside a restaurant, knocked their food off the table, and threatened to light them on fire. He then sprayed them with the flammable aerosol lubricant WD-40 as they escaped. But that wasn’t enough for him. He went into a teahouse and lit two people on fire. Bystanders tried to restrain him, but he pulled out a hatchet and threatened them. When police arrived, they found he was carrying other weapons, including knives, a machete, and Molotov cocktails.

Avoiding Jail Time

Despite being convicted of multiple felonies, McGlone may avoid serving any jail time for his crimes. He accepted a plea deal from the Alameda County district attorney’s office and the public defender’s office. If he completes a diversion program for veterans, the charges against him will be dismissed. However, if he fails to complete the program, he could face up to eight years in prison.

A Dark Time

During the attacks, McGlone told a man that he wanted to “light someone on fire” because “If I don’t get to see my family tonight, someone else doesn’t get to see their family tonight. And I choose you.” His defense attorney tried to cast him as a victim, saying that his actions were the “result of a very dark time, a very bad time” in his life.

A Horrific Act of Violence

Prosecutor Sean Flynn blasted the “horrific” acts of violence that McGlone inflicted on his victims and said that “we’re fortunate that nobody was more seriously hurt.” Judge James Cramer has ordered McGlone to successfully engage in and complete whatever course of therapy is prescribed by the treatment team and abide by whatever conditions are set forth. If he fails to do so, he could be terminated from the Veterans Treatment Court program, and a sentence will be imposed.

Conclusion

This is a shocking case that highlights the importance of mental health treatment and support for veterans. McGlone’s actions were reprehensible, and it’s concerning that he may avoid jail time. Let’s hope that he takes the treatment seriously and doesn’t pose a threat to society in the future.