Michael Davis trial | The defense rests

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Michael Davis

YOUNGSTOWN — Michael A. Davis’ aggravated murder and arson death-penalty trial switched briefly to the defense today, with an expert witness saying samples from the burned house and defendant’s clothing don’t match.

Davis, 18, of Bennington Avenue is charged with setting fire to 1645 Stewart Ave. around 5:30 a.m. on Jan. 23. The arson killed six members of the Crawford family — Carole Crawford, 46; her daughter, Jennifer R. Crawford, 23; and Jennifer’s four children, Ranaisha, 8; Jeannine, 5; Aleisha, 3; and Brandon, 2. All died from smoke inhalation. Five others escaped the fire.

Davis is represented by James S. Gentile and Ron Yarwood.

Dr. Richard Henderson, a chemistry expert and certified fire investigator, said from the witness stand that he had concerns whether a container of charcoal lighter fluid that was found at Davis’ house was involved. He said he saw no results of tests and questioned, did it have a relation to the fire?

Testimony last week showed that although a can of charcoal lighter fluid was taken fvrom a cupboard and tested for fingerprints, it wasn’t sent to the Ohio State Fire Marshal lab. Also, there was no testimony to say whose, if any, fingerprints were found on the can.

Henderson said if there is a container, it can be determined if the same components found at the crime scene are the same as on the clothing taken as evidence. He said there also was no comparison sample taken from the fire scene,

After Henderson’s testimony, the defense rested its case, having called only him as a witness.

Judge R. Scott Krichbaum of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court told jurors the defense could wrap up today and to come prepared to be sequestered.

The prosecution, represented by Paul J. Gains, Natasha Frenchko and J. Michael Thompson, rested its case last Friday after calling 23 witnesses. Highlights of last week’s testimony included the lead detective saying Davis confessed to setting the fire. The prosecution contends Davis was angry over the theft of his cell phone by a teenage boy who was in the Crawford house when the fire started.

Also, an expert witness from the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office said traces of an accelerant were found on pants and red tennis shoes that earlier testimony linked to Davis.

Davis faces a 29-count indictment with death penalty specifications. The fire deaths are the city’s largest mass murder.