ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- A teenager has been convicted of killing his father and two brothers by setting the family's New York home on fire.
A jury Thursday ruled 16-year-old Michael Pilato guilty of arson and multiple counts of murder, finding he intended to kill his relatives in December 2011 when he used gasoline to set fire to the home in Webster, just northeast of Rochester.
The blaze killed 71-year-old Carmen Pilato, 16-year-old Peter Pilato and 12-year-old Joshua Pilato. Michael Pilato's mother and 13-year-old sister were injured.
A defense lawyer argued Pilato was experiencing "extreme emotional disturbance" when he set the fire.
Pilato's mother supported him through the trial and wept when the verdict was read. She says he didn't set the fire on purpose.
Pilato faces 7 1/2 years to life or 15 years to life when sentenced next month.
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