New Castle explosion trial set to start Monday

NEW CASTLE, Pa. — Trial is set to begin Monday for Patrick Henry, who authorities have said deliberately caused a natural-gas explosion two years ago that destroyed nine homes and injured two people besides himself.

Henry, who rented 833 Franklin St., set up the Nov. 27, 2006, explosion in a failed suicide attempt, authorities said.

He was injured along with two friends who were on their way to his house to check on his welfare.

Henry is charged with more than 100 counts of arson, criminal mischief and recklessly endangering another person.

Jared and Sophie Baker were outside the house when it exploded. Baker was released from the hospital after a few days. His wife suffered numerous burns and spent months in the hospital, followed by a stay in a nursing home, according to Vindicator files.

The trial is set for 9:30 a.m. in Courtroom One of the Lawrence County Court of Common Pleas.