Prosecutors will retry a man accused of setting a fire inside a vacant South Stricker Street rowhome in 2022 that killed three Baltimore firefighters.

James Barnett, 58, of West Baltimore, is charged in Baltimore Circuit Court with involuntary manslaughter, arson and reckless endangerment. He’s set to appear back in court on Nov. 6, when both sides are expected to select a new trial date, according to the Baltimore state’s attorney’s office.

On Tuesday, Circuit Judge Alan Lazerow declared a mistrial in the case when a jury could not reach a unanimous verdict after about 4 1/2 days of deliberation. He previously threw out the most serious charges: three counts of second-degree murder.

Baltimore City Fire Lt. Kelsey Sadler, Lt. Paul Butrim and EMT/firefighter Kenny Lacayo were killed on Jan. 24, 2022, when the building collapsed as they fought the fire. A 911 caller had reported that people were trapped inside the home.

Advertise with us

At the original trial, prosecutors argued that evidence including surveillance video, enhanced light source analysis and Barnett’s statements to investigators proved he committed the crime. But Barnett’s defense attorney contended that he was innocent of all charges.

Barnett continues to be held in the Metropolitan Transition Center without bail.