Jurors in the trial of James Barnett, accused of intentionally setting the Stricker Street fire that killed three firefighters and injured a fourth, heard emotional testimony from victims’ family members and watched helmet camera footage of the rescue efforts on the first day of the trial.
Prosecutors told the jury that surveillance video and forensic evidence will prove Barnett, 58, intentionally started the fire with a butane lighter.
Barnett faces a dozen charges, including arson and murder.
Barnett’s attorney described the state’s case as “puzzling” and said, “It doesn’t add up.” The attorney told the jury, “At the end of the day, you’ll see he’s innocent.”
The state began its case by calling witnesses to highlight the victims and the rescue efforts.
The first three witnesses were the sister of Lt. Kelsey Sadler, the brother of EMT firefighter Kenny Lacayo, and the wife of Lt. Paul Butrim. Each identified their loved one and recounted how they learned of their deaths.
The jury was then shown video footage from the helmet camera of Fire Capt. David Guercio, who testified about his rescue efforts. The footage showed him climbing through the collapsed rowhome in search of Lacayo, who was trapped beneath rubble.
Guercio testified that Lacayo was conscious and responsive at first, but it took 100 minutes to free him. He also said he later saw Lt. Sadler’s boots and began digging by hand to get her out.
She was removed 40 minutes later, and everyone was ordered to evacuate the building.
After lunch, the jury heard testimony from firefighter John McMaster, who suffered extensive injuries in the fire.
The final witness of the day was a city arson detective, who presented the turnout coats of the three firefighters who were killed. The detective noted that the coats still bore soot and retained its smell more than four years after the fire.
