Jurors hearing the trial of suspected Old Fire arsonist Rickie Lee Fowler visited the scene this morning in Waterman Canyon where the wildfire originated back in 2003.
Attorneys in the case joined the jurors for the bus ride to the mountain community. Also among the locations visited was the spot where witnesses saw a white van leave the area where the fire ignited and the location of John Aylward's house, which authorities believe was the target of the fire.
Jurors also saw the intersection of Highway 18 and Waterman Canyon, where the suspect vehicle nearly collided with another car while racing down the mountain. They also saw the turnout overlooking the fire spot, where a witness said he saw someone throw something and then leave in a van.
Fowler was present during the jury's tour, but he was kept in a patrol car between 50 and 100 feet away from the jurors, who roamed freely at each location.
The jury was back in San Bernardino Superior Court for the afternoon session of Fowler's trial, which began about 1:30 p.m.
Prosecutors are expected to continue playing for jurors a recording of a jailhouse interview of Fowler conducted by special agents from the U.S. Forest Service.
Fowler, 30, of San Bernardino is suspected of starting the 2003 Old Fire that burned more than 91,000 acres, destroyed more than 1,000 structures after starting on Oct. 25, 2003. The fire cost nearly $38 million.
The defendant has been charged with five counts of murder and special circumstances, which allow prosecutors to pursue the death penalty if he is convicted. Prosecutors say five residents in burn areas died from heart attacks that were caused by the stress of evacuation and threats to homes and belongings.
Copyright 2012 - Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, Calif.
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
