"Jurors began deliberations Monday in the retrial of a Baltimore woman accused of intentionally setting her home on fire, killing her six children, 25 years ago. Tonya Lucas, 54, was convicted by a jury in 1993 of six counts of first-degree felony murder and was serving six consecutive life terms. But that conviction was overturned in December 2015 due to discredited arson investigation methods. During a four-week retrial, prosecutors again sought to show jurors that Lucas intentionally set fire to her East Baltimore home, in the 2400 block of E. Eager St., in hopes of receiving rental assistance from the Red Cross. They also allege she set the fire to cover up her abuse of her 2-year-old son, Gregory Cook, who weighed just 10 pounds. “The defendant was about to be evicted. How was she going to cover up Gregory?” Assistant State's Attorney Rita Wisthoff-Ito said in closing arguments ......... Lucas’ attorneys argued the state’s case was weak because prosecutors did not back up the alleged motive that she burned the house to receive assistance. They said their client was receiving other government assistance to support her family, and did not need help from the Red Cross.........Lucas' attorney, Michele Nethercott, also attacked prosecutors for attempting to play to the sympathy of jurors. Several times during closing arguments, the jury was shown photos of Gregory’s body. Some flinched, while others looked away until the picture was removed from a stand in front of the jury box. Lucas has maintained her innocence, saying she was framed. The University of Baltimore's Innocence Project took up the case in 2015, questioning the credibility of the fire investigation. Since Lucas’ original case, questions in fire science have raised doubt in numerous cases and led to dozens of arson exonerations across the country. The defense has argued that the original investigators did not consider all possible accidental causes. Lucas appeared in court on Monday in a black suit with her ankle monitor visible. She has been free on home detention and GPS monitoring since March 2016 after she was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer. She missed part of the trial proceedings to undergo chemotherapy treatment. Several family members and supporters who watched the proceedings wore pink breast cancer ribbons. Jurors were dismissed for the day around 5 p.m. Monday, and are to resume deliberations Tuesday morning."
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/crime/bs-md-ci-tonya-lucas-closings-20170724-story.html
PUBLISHER'S NOTE: I am monitoring this case/issue. Keep your eye on the Charles Smith Blog for reports on developments. The Toronto Star, my previous employer for more than twenty incredible years, has put considerable effort into exposing the harm caused by Dr. Charles Smith and his protectors - and into pushing for reform of Ontario's forensic pediatric pathology system. The Star has a "topic" section which focuses on recent stories related to Dr. Charles Smith. It can be found at: http://www.thestar.com/topic/c
