Mistrial in trial of man accused of setting 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 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."

A juror told CBS News Baltimore off-camera that the jury was split 6 to 6. The juror said deliberations were extremely frustrating because some didn't want to listen to the evidence. 

The juror added that every piece of information from prosecutors proved Barnett guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, saying their heart goes out to the family because they should have gotten a guilty verdict.

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 three-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.

The state has a chance to retry the case. The judge told prosecutors if they do, schedule the case as soon as possible.

"Some people actually saw the evidence for what it was and didn't think outside of the box or anywhere else," said Brandon Sadler, Lt, Kelsey Sadler's husband. "They saw the evidence and they stuck with just the evidence, and others decided not to."