Trial continues into day three for Columbia man accused of arson

The trial for James Hall, 42, continues into day three Thursday as the jury works towards a verdict.

Hall is accused of being paid to set a home on fire back in December 2014. Hall went to trial in February 2018 for first-degree arson but the jury was unable to reach a verdict.

Hall was allegedly paid by his boss at the time, Mehrdad Fotoohigiam, 64, of Columbia, to burn down his neighbor’s home while she was still inside.

On day two of the trial, the judge sent the jury home around 9:15 p.m. so they could come back Thursday morning for a fresh start.

Several witnesses have taken the stand to give their testimonies, including a roommate of Hall’s, who claims he was involved in setting fire to the victim’s home.

The defense lawyer explained to the jury that many of the witnesses, including Hall’s past roommate and colleague, came to testify Wednesday in efforts to dismiss their past felonies.

Stay with ABC 17 News as day three continues in court.