Father charged in Union City blaze that killed son makes first court appearance

Eddie Gonzalez Sr., 26, the man charged in connection with last month’s Union City blaze in which his infant son died, made his first court appearance in Jersey City’s Central Judicial Processing Court Wednesday, according to NJ.com.
Gonzalez, along with friend Edwin Diaz, 20, are charged with one count of Causing Widespread Damage, a third-degree offense; and Creating a Risk of Widespread Injury Or Damage, a fourth degree offense. The fire–which started at 1404 Summit Ave.– killed one-year-old Eddie Gonzalez Jr., and displaced over 50 families. Neither men entered a plea during their appearance, according to NJ.com.
They also reportedly did not make any statements during the hearing. If convicted on the third degree charge, both men face up to five years behind bars; if convicted on the fourth degree charge, they each face up to 18 months in prison, the outlet reported.
Speaking to the media outlet a day later, Gonzalez’s lawyer said he is understandably devastated over his son’s death and criminal charges. “It makes grieving more difficult,” said Michael Shulman. “He’s a distraught father. He’s been spending a lot of time with his family.”
Judge Vincent Militello was said to have set a June 1 date for a disposition hearing, Then, the defense and prosecution will report whether they have reached a plea agreement. If not, the case will go before a Hudson County grand jury to determine whether or not to indict the men.