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Judge Delays Sentencing Ex-UC Irvine Professor On Arsons

SANTA ANA (CBS/AP) — A judge has delayed sentencing for a day for a former California professor who set a series of fires and sent private emails describing a plan to attack his son's high school after the teen killed himself.

Judge Gregg L. Prickett says he'll sentence 49-year-old Rainer Reinscheid on Thursday after reviewing notes from more than four hours of statements from victims, supporters and lawyers.

Judge Delays Sentencing UC Irvine Professor On Arsons

The ex-University of California, Irvine pharmaceutical sciences professor faces three to 18 years in prison. He pleaded guilty last month to six counts of arson, three counts of attempted arson and resisting or obstructing an officer.

Reinscheid also sent threatening emails that the prosecution has likened to notes being written before the Columbine massacre. The defense, however, said their client was distraught, on prescription drugs and alcohol and never intended to hurt anyone.

Reinscheid has since apologized in court, saying he lost himself after his 14-year-old son hanged himself last year after being disciplined by a school administrator for stealing.

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UC Irvine Professor Says Grief After Son's Suicide Prompted Arson Spree

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