Savonlinna murder trial hears witnesses on second day

Witnesses will testify on Friday in the second day of a murder trial at Savonlinna District Court, where a man is accused of killing his three children and their mother in a house fire on Finland’s Independence Day last year, Yle reports.

The defendant, the children’s father, denies the charges of four counts of murder and arson. His defence has called for the charges to be dropped.

On the first day of the trial, prosecutors outlined their theory that the fire was deliberately set using flammable liquid at multiple points inside the home in Kerimäki, Savonlinna. Investigators found no natural cause for the blaze.

Today, the court will hear further details from the fire investigation, including the technical evidence cited by prosecutors. Witnesses will also testify, and closing arguments from both the prosecution and defence are expected. The defendant will not attend Friday’s session.

The presiding judge said the hearing is scheduled to conclude at 15:00.