Shapiro mansion arsonist sentenced to 25–50 years in prison
Cody Balmer pleaded guilty under a plea deal and was sentenced by Judge Deborah Curcillo to 25–50 years in prison, with no parole eligibility until April 13, 2050, on charges including attempted murder, terrorism, 22 counts of arson (including aggravated arson), burglary, aggravated assault of Gov. Josh Shapiro, 21 counts of reckless endangerment and related offenses. Prosecutors and the judge called video of Balmer throwing Molotov cocktails into the governor’s residence during the first night of Passover — when the Shapiro family and about 15 guests were evacuated — “horrific,” investigators recovered two broken gasoline‑filled beer bottles, the building lacked sprinklers, Balmer said he would have attacked Shapiro with a hammer if he had found him, turned himself in the next day, and his mother has said he has schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
📌 Key Facts
- Cody Balmer was sentenced by Judge Deborah Curcillo to 25–50 years in prison and will not be eligible for parole until April 13, 2050.
- Balmer pleaded guilty under a plea deal to a slate of charges including attempted murder, terrorism, 22 counts of arson (including aggravated arson), burglary, aggravated assault of Gov. Josh Shapiro, 21 counts of reckless endangerment, and loitering.
- He confessed to throwing Molotov cocktails inside the governor’s residence and told investigators he would have attacked Shapiro with a hammer if he had found him; investigators recovered two broken gasoline-filled beer bottles at the scene.
- The attack occurred on the first night of Passover while Gov. Shapiro, his wife Lori and about 15 overnight guests were in the mansion; occupants were evacuated, the fire was largely extinguished in about 20 minutes, and the building was later found to lack sprinklers.
- Prosecutors played video clips in court showing Molotov cocktails detonating; Judge Curcillo called the footage “horrific” and “very frightening.”
- Balmer turned himself in the day after the attack; his mother said he has schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and sought help days earlier, but police said they lacked legal grounds to involuntarily commit him, and mental‑health treatment earlier in the case delayed proceedings.
- Rep. Gov. Josh Shapiro and his wife Lori submitted victim impact statements prior to the plea agreement, and repairs and security upgrades to the mansion are ongoing.
📰 Sources (4)
- Axios lists the full plea breakdown: 22 counts (arson, aggravated arson, burglary, aggravated assault of Shapiro), 21 counts of reckless endangerment, and terrorism.
- Josh and Lori Shapiro submitted victim impact statements prior to the plea agreement.
- Balmer’s mother told AP he has schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and sought help days before the attack; police said they lacked grounds to involuntarily commit him.
- Cody Balmer was sentenced to 25 to 50 years in prison by Judge Deborah Curcillo.
- He will not be eligible for parole until April 13, 2050.
- Balmer confessed to throwing Molotov cocktails inside the residence and told investigators he would have attacked Shapiro with a hammer if he found him.
- Context specifics reiterated: first night of Passover with 15 overnight guests; evacuation and fire extinguished in ~20 minutes.
- Balmer pleaded guilty under a plea deal and was then sentenced to 25–50 years.
- Specific charges detailed: attempted murder, terrorism, 22 counts of arson, aggravated arson, burglary, aggravated assault of Gov. Josh Shapiro, 21 counts of reckless endangerment, and loitering.
- Judge Deborah Curcillo presided and called video of the attack “horrific” and “very frightening,” with prosecutors playing clips showing Molotov cocktails detonating.
- Investigative details: two broken gasoline‑filled beer bottles recovered; building lacked sprinklers; repair and security upgrades are ongoing.
- Timeline/context notes: family and guests were evacuated during Passover; Balmer turned himself in the next day; mental‑health treatment delayed proceedings.