The trial for 27-year-old Patrick Ryan Thompson continued Thursday in the Monroe County Courthouse in Albia. The Nevada man is accused of setting fire to a Guthrie Center home and killing two young girls inside.

Thursday’s testimonies focused largely on the fire itself and the emergency personnel involved. Sources say the defense questioned the competency of local fire officials in determining the severity and cause of the fire due to lack of training and experience with large house fires. Guthrie Center Fire Chief Dave Embleton and Michael Lillebo, a special agent with the state fire marshal’s office, both testified.

Cheyanne Exline of Jefferson, Paige Exline’s sister also testified. Paige was one of the two girls who perished in the fire. Thompson is facing two class A felonies for first degree murder, two class B felonies for attempted murder, and one class C felony for first degree arson for the May 2017 incident. In addition to Paige Exline, the fire resulted in the death of 16-year-old Shakiah Cockerham. He faces up to life in prison without parole if convicted.

Raccoon Valley Radio will bring you daily updates from the trial.