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During the second day of deliberations, jurors found the Cleveland man accused of setting the fire that killed nine people guilty on all counts.

The 2005 fire killed a 33-year-old woman, four of her children and four other children during a 14th birthday party sleepover at a house on East 87th Street in Cleveland. The fire is the deadliest in Cleveland’s history.

Prosecutors said Antun Lewis, 27, set fire to the home by pouring gasoline on the first floor and lighting a match in order to settle a drug debt.

Families of the victims were elated about the guilty verdict, and told NewsChannel5 justice has been served.

“We wanted justice for our family and right now I could kiss the sky,” said Evelyn Martin, who lost her daughter and grandchildren in the fire.

“On behalf of the City of Cleveland, I would like to thank the U.S. Attorney, his staff, the County Prosecutor’s Office, the Cleveland Division of Police and the Cleveland Division of Fire for their diligence in bringing this case to justice. While nothing can erase the grief caused by the tragedy so many years ago, today’s verdict can allow healing to begin for the families and friends of the victims,” Mayor Frank Jackson said, in a statement on Monday.

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article courtesy of Newsnet5.com

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