Stricker Street Fire Lawyers in Baltimore
Advocating for the Families of Fallen & Injured Firefighters
Miller Stern Lawyers LLC remains committed to supporting the legal interests of the families of three Baltimore City firefighters who tragically died, and one who was injured, during the Stricker Street Fire in January 2022. Our attorneys, Kevin Stern and Daniel J. Miller, are dedicated to helping the loved ones of these heroes seek accountability and transparency regarding the events that led to the fire and its devastating consequences.
We provide compassionate, knowledgeable representation to ensure families can pursue justice while holding responsible parties accountable.
For more information or to connect with Miller Stern Lawyers LLC, contact us online or call (410) 529-3476.
Recent Developments in the Stricker Street Fire Case
On November 14, 2025, Baltimore authorities arrested and charged James Barnett, 57, in connection with the 2022 Stricker Street Fire that killed three firefighters. He faces multiple charges, including:
- Second-degree arson
- Three counts each of second-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter, and reckless endangerment
Barnett is scheduled for a bail review hearing at Baltimore City District Court. Court documents show that surveillance footage captured Barnett entering the vacant home shortly before the fire and creating flashes of light consistent with a butane lighter. Investigators determined the fire was incendiary, which allowed the medical examiner to rule the deaths as homicides.
“We never, ever stopped with the relentless pursuit of justice,” said Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates. “Technology grows and allows us to look at cases a little differently, and that’s what really was big here … as well as the growth in our office of having … highly skilled, trained lawyers.”
Kevin Stern, one of the attorneys representing the families, stated:
“As we continue to peel back the layers of the onion, what we learn is that nobody wanted to say, ‘Hey, we’re not going to do this program anymore even though it wasn’t happening.’”
Daniel J. Miller, co-counsel for the families, emphasized the importance of holding the city accountable:
“These heroes and public servants put their lives at risk when they walked into that death trap. Three of them paid the ultimate sacrifice, and another suffers permanent life-altering injuries. Justice for these families cannot be delayed any longer.”
About the Stricker Street Fire
On January 24, 2022, a vacant building at 205 S. Stricker St., Baltimore collapsed during a fire, killing firefighters Lt. Kelsey Sadler, Lt. Paul Butrim, and EMT/firefighter Kenny Lacayo, while John McMaster was severely injured.
The building had previously caught fire in 2015 and 2016, and the Code X-Ray program, which alerts firefighters to unsafe vacant buildings, was dormant at the time of the tragedy. First responders arriving on the scene were not fully aware of the building’s unstable condition, leading to the catastrophic collapse.
Families Speak Out
November 15, 2025 – Statement from the Families of the Fallen and Injured Firefighters:
“We applaud the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office, Baltimore City Police Department, and the ATF for their relentless pursuit of justice in this matter. Unfortunately, Baltimore City, through Mayor Brandon Scott and the City Council, has ignored their responsibility to our loved ones—Kelsey Sadler, Paul Butrim, Kenneth Lacayo, and John McMaster.
These heroes put their lives at risk when they walked into that death trap on Stricker Street. Three of them paid the ultimate sacrifice, while another struggles with permanent life-altering injuries. Yet, city leaders refuse to hear our concerns.
This is about demands that will make firefighting in Baltimore City safer and bring closure to our families and loved ones. Yet, three years later, there is little to no resolution, while city officials refuse to listen yet wish to take credit for a false sense of closure.”
You can view the full statement from the families here.
For more information, contact Miller Stern Lawyers LLC online.
OUR CLIENT REVIEWS
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Dan is a great lawyer who represented me in a car accident. He has years of experience and settled my case in a quick and timely manner.- Lee K.
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The lawyers at Miller Stern are top-notch! I have needed their services on several occasions and have referred them to family and friends.- Former Client
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Kevin Stern is an excellent lawyer with unmatched expertise, especially within the area of medical malpractice.- Kelly G.
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My daughter was in a car accident and was injured. We worked with Dan Miller throughout the process and received the settlement we deserved.- Andrew R.
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