Wife of Philadelphia International Records arson suspect says he’s sorry and drank too much

Wife of ‘Philly Sound’ arson suspect apologizes

PHILADELPHIA — The wife of a man accused of setting a fire that badly damaged the home of a famous Philadelphia recording company says he is sorry.

Deanna Cimini tearfully said Tuesday that her husband, Christopher, had too much to drink and cannot remember anything about the Feb. 21 fire that damaged the headquarters of Philadelphia International Records. She says he would never hurt anyone.

Defense attorney Gina Capuano says her client probably didn’t even know of the existence of the studio where the 1960s and ’70s soul music called the “Sound of Philadelphia” was born.

But producer Kenny Gamble says he doesn’t buy the explanation. He says he doesn’t believe anyone “can be that drunk.”

A preliminary hearing in the case was postponed until March 23.