Judge declares mistrial in trial over fire that killed 3 Baltimore firefighters

A judge declared a mistrial after a jury failed to reach a verdict in the trial of James Barnett, who was charged in connection with a 2022 fire that killed three Baltimore firefighters on Stricker Street.

After nearly a week of deliberations, jurors were dismissed Tuesday without reaching a verdict.

Barnett was charged with second-degree arson, involuntary manslaughter and reckless endangerment in connection with the Jan. 24, 2022, fire.

Baltimore Fire Lt. Kelsey Sadler, Lt. Paul Butrim and Firefighter/EMT Kenny Lacayo died while battling the blaze.

"Today's outcome is deeply disappointing for the families of Lt. Paul Butrim, Lt. Kelsey Sadler, and EMT/Firefighter Kenny Lacayo, whose lives were tragically cut short in the Stricker Street fire in 2022," Baltimore State's Attorney Ivan Bates said. "After hearing the evidence, the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict. While this is not the outcome we sought, our commitment to these families and to pursuing justice has not changed."

Bates added that "justice delayed is justice denied.

"We recognize that not every case results in a conviction on the first attempt, and not every path to accountability is easy," Bates said. "But a case's difficulty will never diminish our responsibility to pursue justice for the victims and their loved ones. Three members of the Baltimore City Fire Department family lost their lives in this devastating fire, and EMT/Firefighter John McMaster was injured. The pain and loss experienced by their families, friends, and colleagues remain immeasurable."

Jurors began deliberating Wednesday afternoon and continued Thursday and Friday before breaking for the weekend. They resumed deliberations Monday and continued through Tuesday but were unable to reach a unanimous verdict.

Last week, the judge dismissed the murder charges against Barnett, leaving the charges of second-degree arson, involuntary manslaughter and reckless endangerment.

Prosecutors argued that video showed Barnett creating at least four flashes of light inside the vacant rowhome, which they believe were flames. They also pointed to what they described as conflicting statements Barnett made during a police interview.

Barnett's attorney argued that prosecutors could not prove the person shown in the video was Barnett.

The two-week trial included hours of video evidence and testimony from multiple witnesses and experts, including a medical examiner who discussed the injuries that killed the three firefighters.