Judge Drops Murder Charges Against Arson Suspect in Baltimore LODD Fire
Murder charges were dropped Tuesday against the man accused of setting a fire that killed three Baltimore firefighters.
The judge granted the defense attorney's motion to dismiss the second-degree murder charges against James Barnett, 58, saying the state didn't provide enough evidence to meet the burden required, WBAL reported.
Barnett still faces involuntary manslaughter, reckless endangerment and arson for the rowhouse fire that claimed Baltimore City Fire Lt. Paul Butrim, Lt. Kelsey Sadler and Firefighter Kenny Lacayo.
A motion for aquittal from the defense is typical at the conclusion of the state's case.
Jurors return Wednesday for closing arguments.
About the Author
Susan NicolSusan Nicol
News Editor
Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.