SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) — The trial of a Northampton man charged with setting a series of fires in the city in 2009 that resulted in two deaths is getting under way with jury selection.
Anthony Baye faces charges including arson and murder.
His trial starts Monday in Hampden Superior Court in Springfield. The presiding judge in the case moved the trial out of Hampshire Superior Court to maintain the integrity of the jury. Opening statement 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.
Baye has pleaded not guilty.
Northwestern District Attorney David Sullivan has called Baye's case the city's biggest trial in five decades.