Trial Of Man Accused In Deadly Fire Set To Wrap Up Soon

The judge expects the Mark Roberts' trial to wrap up next Tuesday. Roberts is a suspected meth-maker, accused of starting a deadly fire.

Prosecutors called six more witnesses Friday.

A fire investigator meticulously went through photo after photo of the crime scene for the jury. Prosecutors were trying to prove the fire could have only been started by an active meth lab.

The flames consumed several apartments at the Royal Arms Complex, three years ago. But for the relatives of Maria Martinez and Armando Nunez who died, and Nikki Cain, who was severely injured, the nightmare is still fresh.

"It's hard. It's hard. It's hard for my family. It's hard for my sister and Armando's kids," said Sheila Bradley, Nunez's sister -in-law.

It's the fifth day of the trial of Mark Roberts, who's accused of a string of charges, including making meth, murder and arson.

Roberts was also injured in the fire and is in a wheelchair. His attorneys says this is a tragic accident for everyone.

"There's a number of things that could have happened to cause the fire. It's our position that something other than an active meth lab started it," said defense attorney Mark Collier.

He claims other sources like candles weren't thoroughly investigated at the scene.

On Friday, a fire investigator tried to wipe out that impression. The jury watched as he meticulously dissected picture after picture, showing the aftermath of the fire.

He detailed how he found meth-making materials, and he tried to rule out the stove as a possible source.

He pointed out the damage to wooden cabinets would have been more extensive if the fire had started in the kitchen.

Seeing the anatomy of the fire that changed so many lives... seemed tough on the family members sitting in the courtroom.

The prosecution is expected to finish up its last witness and rest on Tuesday. Then it's the defense's turn. They say they will call one, possibly two witnesses. They would not say whether Mark Roberts would take the stand in his own defense.

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