SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) - The trial of a Northampton man charged with setting a series of fires in the city in December 2009 that resulted in two deaths is getting underway.
Anthony Baye faces charges including arson and murder. He has pleaded not guilty.
His trial started with jury selection Monday in Hampden Superior Court in Springfield. Presiding Judge Constance Sweeney moved the trial out of Hampshire Superior Court to maintain the integrity of the jury. Opening statements could start Wednesday.
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.
Sweeney ruled Monday that Baye will be tried only on charges related to the Dec. 27 fires, throwing out charges related to five earlier fires.
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