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Federal Judge Bars Evidence of Alleged Bible Burning in Palisades Fire Trial
A federal judge ruled that prosecutors cannot present evidence of a defendant's alleged prior acts involving a burned Bible and a threat to burn property. The defense's questioning of a federal agent prompted the prosecutor's request to introduce the evidence.
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A federal judge barred prosecutors from introducing evidence of a defendant's alleged Bible burning and threat to burn a relative's home during an ongoing arson trial. The ruling came after defense questioning of a federal agent suggested the defendant had never searched for information on starting fires.
Prosecutors argued the prior acts were relevant to the arson charges. The defendant faces charges of starting the Lachman fire, which burned underground for a week before becoming the Palisades fire on Jan. 7, 2025. A conviction could result in up to 45 years in prison.
The judge had previously excluded the evidence of prior acts, finding them too prejudicial for the jury. Prosecutors sought to revisit that decision after the defense's cross-examination. The defense maintained that the prior acts occurred months after the fire in question and did not constitute arson.
The judge declined to allow the testimony but warned the defense against creating a misleading impression. "I’m going to be as clear as possible ... you need to tighten up your questioning," the judge said.
