Man headed to trial in 2005 Ohio fire deaths of 9

CLEVELAND (AP) — An Ohio man charged with arson in the 2005 fire deaths of nine people, including eight children at a birthday sleepover, is headed to trial in Cleveland.

Twenty-seven-year-old defendant Antun Lewis, dressed in a dark suit, white shirt and print tie, stood and nodded to prospective jurors when he was introduced in a courtroom Wednesday.

Seventy-two prospective jurors filled the courtroom of federal Judge Solomon Oliver after he met privately with attorneys on both sides to handle cases of those who said they can’t serve for personal reasons.

The jury is expected to visit the scene of the house fire on Monday, before opening statements.

The judge has ruled out the death penalty, saying Lewis is mentally disabled.

Lewis says he was at home when the fire broke out.