Blast suspect awaits trial; victims recover from injuries

The man charged in the explosion is to be formally arraigned next month.
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- While east side residents are still working to recover from the blast that destroyed their neighborhood six months ago, the man authorities believe to be responsible is waiting for his day in court.
Police charged 30-year-old Patrick Henry with more than 100 counts of arson, criminal mischief and recklessly endangering another person in the Nov. 27 blast that authorities contend was a failed suicide attempt.
They think he disconnected natural-gas lines and then ignited something inside the house which caused the blast.
Henry is in the state corrections institute in Mercer County on a parole violation as he awaits trial.
He is expected to be formally arraigned next month in Lawrence County Common Pleas Court, according to the county district attorney's office. His trial will be held later.
And while Henry awaits trial, the two most seriously injured victims in the blast appear to be well on the road to recovery.
Stopped by house
Jared and Sophie Baker stopped by Henry's house to check on his well-being when Henry didn't show or call off work. He and Jared Baker worked at a Shenango Township soap plant.
Atty. Frank Natale, who has been a spokesman for the family, said they are both home and recovering from their injuries.
Jared Baker was released from the hospital days after the blast with bandages covering his hands and visible burns on his face.
His wife had much more severe injuries spending months in a Pittsburgh hospital burn unit and then about three weeks in an extended-care nursing home.
She was only able to come home in early March, her husband said after testifying March 13 at Henry's preliminary hearing.
Natale said last week that she continues to undergo treatment for her injuries.
"She's doing really well and progressing as they had hoped," Natale said.
Jared Baker has returned to his work, but Sophie Baker is not expected to return to her job as a massage therapist anytime soon, Natale added.