The trial of a 17-year-old Bremerton, WA, boy accused of setting a fire that caused an estimated $12 million in damage began Monday. Attorney Thomas Weaver says the boy was easily swayed by police questioning and the case hinges on inconsistent statements to police that don’t match the physical evidence. Weaver said he will call a forensic psychology expert who gave the boy a psychological exam that shows he is highly susceptible to leading questioning under pressure. That expert is expected to testify Thursday.
The prosecution called a fire cause and origin expert witness who said an accelerant was used to start the July 27 fire. Kitsap County Superior Court Judge Leila Mills will determine a verdict in the case. Juvenile cases are not argued before juries.
For more, see kitsapsun.com.
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