Tragic Hamptons Fire: Luxury Homeowner Faces Probation, Community Service after Deadly Blaze

A Suffolk County homeowner has been sentenced to probation and community service after his shoddy electrical work caused a fire that killed two Maryland sisters vacationing in his luxury Hamptons home.

In August 2022, a devastating house fire in the exclusive Hamptons neighborhood of Sag Harbor claimed the lives of two Maryland sisters, Jillian and Lindsay Wiener, while their terminally ill father Lewis survived along with their mother Alisa and brother Zachary.

The subsequent investigation revealed that the fire was caused by illegal outdoor kitchen wiring installed by the homeowner, Peter Miller, 56. The kitchen vents were blocked by a wooden frame, creating a firetrap that prevented the sisters from escaping their upstairs bedroom.

Tragic Hamptons Fire: Luxury Homeowner Faces Probation, Community Service after Deadly Blaze

On Monday, Miller pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide and was sentenced to three years' probation and 200 hours of community service. His wife, Pamela, 55, who managed the summer rental, was sentenced to 100 hours of community service for reckless endangerment.

The plea deal spared the couple jail time, drawing criticism from the Wiener family, who have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Millers. Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney expressed sympathy for the victims' family but emphasized the importance of housing regulations for public safety.

Tragic Hamptons Fire: Luxury Homeowner Faces Probation, Community Service after Deadly Blaze

Prior to their arrests, the Millers faced 29 code violations related to the rental property, including failing to obtain a permit and installing electrical outlets without proper boxes.

The Wiener sisters, Jillian, 21, and Lindsay, 19, were described as promising young women with bright futures. Jillian was an incoming senior at the University of Michigan, while Lindsay was a sophomore at Tulane University.

Tragic Hamptons Fire: Luxury Homeowner Faces Probation, Community Service after Deadly Blaze

The tragedy has left the Wiener family heartbroken and devastated. Their father Lewis sustained burns on his feet while desperately trying to save his daughters. The surviving family members have expressed their pain and anger over the preventable deaths.

In a statement, the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office reiterated the importance of ensuring the safety of rental properties. Landlords have a duty to maintain their homes according to regulations to protect tenants and vacationers alike.

Tragic Hamptons Fire: Luxury Homeowner Faces Probation, Community Service after Deadly Blaze

Community members have expressed shock and sadness over the tragic incident. The Hamptons, known for its luxurious homes and summer getaways, has been shaken by the realization that hidden hazards can lurk beneath the surface.

The ongoing legal proceedings and the Wiener family's wrongful death lawsuit will continue to shed light on the circumstances surrounding this preventable tragedy and hold those responsible accountable.