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Jury nearly set for Mass. trial in 2009 fatal fire

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) - Jury selection is nearly complete for the trial of a Northampton man charged with setting fires in the city that resulted in two deaths in December 2009.

Anthony Baye faces charges including arson and murder. He has pleaded not guilty.

The Northwestern District Attorney's office said Tuesday that 15 jurors have been picked in Hampden Superior Court in Springfield. One more juror is expected to be picked Wednesday. Opening statements are expected Thursday morning.

Prosecutors say the now 28-year-old Baye set 15 fires on Dec. 27, 2009. One house fire spread, killing 81-year-old Paul Yeskie Sr. and his son, 39-year-old Paul Yeskie Jr.

Presiding Judge Constance Sweeney moved the trial out of Northampton. She also ruled that Baye will be tried only on charges related to the December fires, throwing out charges related to five earlier fires.