CLINTON —
A trial began Monday afternoon for a Clinton County man accused of first-degree arson in connection with a May fire in Elwood.
Ricky L. Hull Jr., 34, is standing trial on the charge, accused of willfully causing a fire on May 26 in Elwood while allegedly manufacturing methamphetamine.
Opening statements were heard and the State’s evidence was given for this felony trial which is expected to finish this afternoon.
During his opening statements, County Attorney Mike Wolf instructed the jury to consider certain facts in the case as he presents his evidence. He told the jury that they will hear about the fire that broke out in a rental duplex in Elwood. He asked jurors to listen to testimony from the owner of the duplex about the damage that occurred. A neighbor will also testify about the fire.
Wolf told the jury to pay attention to what items were found in the upstairs bedroom, where the fire occurred. According to court documents, chemicals commonly used in manufacturing meth were allegedly found in the upstairs bathroom, along with coffee filters containing a residue. The residue allegedly tested positive for meth, according to the affidavit.
Wolf told the jurors they will hear the defendant’s own statement about the fire. He said after all of the facts are presented, he will be asking them to find Hull guilty of causing the fire while manufacturing meth.
Defense attorney Bruce Ingham said his fear was that with the amount of evidence the state was set to present, the jurors’ eyes would glaze over. He asked that they listen and look carefully at all of the testimony.
Ingham told the jury that while his client claims responsibility for the fire, he maintains that it was not set intentionally or in the manufacturing of methamphetamine.
He told the jury that the fire was an accident and the only fair and just verdict is not guilty.
Local News
October 30, 2012
Trial begins in first-degree arson case
- Local News
-
-
City administrator candidate bios
Read the complete bios of Clinton City Administrator candidates Jessica Kinser and Benjamin Benson.
-
Council interviews first of two city administrator finalists
The Clinton City Council spent an hour and a half questioning city administrator finalist Ben Benson during an interview Friday afternoon.
- Council wants to keep city clear of eyesores CAMANCHE -- Property owners along Washington Boulevard will receive letters from the city of Camanche about keeping the area looking nice. Councilman Gary Kampe said there are some areas along the newly constructed roadway that have a lot of junk sit
- County talks anti- nepotism policy, vehicle guidelines CLINTON -- The Clinton County Board of Supervisors this week discussed possible human resources policies. Human Resources Director Lynn Tibbetts introduced a rough draft of an anti-nepotism policy for the county. This policy would prevent a family me
- Northeast preps for end of grade sharing GOOSE LAKE -- The Northeast School Board is planning to add bus stops next year under the worst-case scenario that a Clinton County District Court judge does not force the Easton Valley School District to honor a whole-grade sharing agreement. North
-
Memorial park: A place to remember
FULTON, Ill. -- Fulton American Legion Commander Bill Blecha's goal is to have a park where members of the community can reflect on the sacrifices of past, present and future veterans.
-
Committee looking for new Camanche City Hall location
A committee has agreed to look at alternative locations for Camanche City Hall.
-
CVB director hiring announced
A new director has been hired to lead the Clinton Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.
-
City creates demolition list
City officials are looking at different properties that need to be demolished throughout the city and soon will consider a new ordinance they hope will deter the need for future nuisance building demolition.
- No one injured in morning fire CLINTON — No one was injured in an early morning fire at Hawthorne Woods Apartments, 1241 Gateway. The Clinton Fire Department was dispatched at 1:23 a.m. today for smoke and fire in a bedroom of a multi-family apartment complex. According to a press
- More Local News Headlines
-
