BALTIMORE —The man accused of setting a vacant rowhome on fire in January 2022 that killed three Baltimore firefighters will stand trial next week after a jury was seated.
On Friday, 58-year-old James Barnett stood with his hands clasped behind his back at the judge’s bench, seemingly engaged in the jury selection process.
The jury will be composed of six men, six women and four alternates.
Last year, investigators charged Barnett with three counts each of second-degree arson, second-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter and reckless endangerment.
According to the investigation, in January 2022, Barnett set fire to a vacant row house on South Stricker Street. The building then collapsed, trapping fire crews inside.
Baltimore City Fire Lts. Kelsey Sadler and Paul Butrim and Firefighter\EMT Kenny Lacayo died in the fire, and Firefighter John McMaster suffered extensive injuries.
Court documents indicate authorities were able to track Barnett’s movements through surveillance video.
A month after the deadly fire, federal agents released surveillance footage of Barnett, who was unidentified at the time, as a person of interest in the case. The footage captured Barnett entering the back of the vacant house before midnight.
Agents interviewed him twice and he admitted entering the building.
ATF investigators used enhanced imaging technology on surveillance footage to determine the fire started on the first floor. The analysis also led to the determination that Barnett intentionally ignited combustible material inside the rear doorway, which led to the building fire.
Surveillance footage did not capture anyone else entering the building before or after Barnett left.
The case will begin Oct. 5 with opening statements and will include multiple forensic experts. The trial is expected to last three weeks.
