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Bail ruling delayed in 1995 Pa. firefighter deaths

PITTSBURGH (AP) — A western Pennsylvania judge is considering whether bail should be granted to a man who won a new trial in the death of three Pittsburgh firefighters almost two decades ago.

Gregory Brown Jr., 36, was sentenced to three life terms in the February 1995 fire that killed 42-year-old Capt. Thomas Brooks, 27-year-old Marc Kolenda and 43-year-old Patricia Conroy. Allegheny County prosecutors said he set the blaze for insurance money.

Judge Joseph Williams ruled last week that Brown deserved a new trial because prosecutors hadn't revealed that two witnesses in the case were paid reward money.

A brief bail hearing Monday centered on whether Williams still has jurisdiction because prosecutors immediately appealed to state Superior Court. The judge asked both sides for written arguments and said he would rule March 10.