A jury in Monroe County has found a man guilty of setting a fire that resulted in a man's death.
James Miller of Bangor was on trial for setting fire to a home near Marshalls Creek last year. That fire killed an elderly man he was caring for at the time.
The jury began deliberating about 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Monroe County courthouse. By about 5:30 p.m. they decided James Miller intentionally set the fire that killed 81-year-old Jack Bates. He was found guilty of arson resulting in death, manslaughter, arson and criminal mischief for the fire in February, 2008.
Bates later died of smoke inhalation. Miller was the victim's caretaker at the time of the fire.
During closing arguments Wednesday the defense told jurors the case was about fire and foolishness.
Defense lawyers admit Miller recklessly set the fire but they told the jury that calls made to 911 prove their client was trying to get Bates out of the house and that he did not intend to kill Bates.
The defense said it was the victim who decided to go back into the burning house to look for his wallet and that's when Bates became trapped inside.
The prosecution told jurors the death of Jack Bates was premeditated and malicious.
The district attorney argued Miller intentionally set the fire knowing Bates, who was partially paralyzed, would not be able to get out.
The district attorney also said Miller had a history of setting fires, including two fires just weeks before Bates died.
Bates was well known in the Poconos community. He was a retired Air Force colonel and was head of the Pocono Mountain Chamber of Commerce for nine years.
Miller could face life in prison. Sentencing is set for February 22.
James Miller of Bangor was on trial for setting fire to a home near Marshalls Creek last year. That fire killed an elderly man he was caring for at the time.
The jury began deliberating about 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Monroe County courthouse. By about 5:30 p.m. they decided James Miller intentionally set the fire that killed 81-year-old Jack Bates. He was found guilty of arson resulting in death, manslaughter, arson and criminal mischief for the fire in February, 2008.
Bates later died of smoke inhalation. Miller was the victim's caretaker at the time of the fire.
During closing arguments Wednesday the defense told jurors the case was about fire and foolishness.
Defense lawyers admit Miller recklessly set the fire but they told the jury that calls made to 911 prove their client was trying to get Bates out of the house and that he did not intend to kill Bates.
The defense said it was the victim who decided to go back into the burning house to look for his wallet and that's when Bates became trapped inside.
The prosecution told jurors the death of Jack Bates was premeditated and malicious.
The district attorney argued Miller intentionally set the fire knowing Bates, who was partially paralyzed, would not be able to get out.
The district attorney also said Miller had a history of setting fires, including two fires just weeks before Bates died.
Bates was well known in the Poconos community. He was a retired Air Force colonel and was head of the Pocono Mountain Chamber of Commerce for nine years.
Miller could face life in prison. Sentencing is set for February 22.
