The trial against an Ames man who is accused of murder and arson in Guthrie County continued Monday in the Monroe County Courthouse in Albia.

The jury listened to more witnesses called by the prosecution against 27-year-old Patrick Thompson. He is charged with two Class A Felonies for first degree murder, two Class B Felonies for attempted murder and a Class C Felony for first degree arson. He is accused of setting a house on fire in Guthrie Center of May of 2017 that killed two girls, 12-year-old Paige Exline and 16-year-old Shakiah Cockerham.

According to a court official, Guthrie County Deputy Jesse Swenson finished his testimony that was started this past Friday by the prosecution. Sources say Noah Exline then took the stand for his testimony in court. The prosecution is anticipated to finish presenting its side of the case to the jury by Wednesday and then the defense will get a chance to present its side. According to online court documents as of Sunday, the defense attorney for Thompson submitted 57 proposed exhibits.

Raccoon Valley Radio will continue to bring you daily updates of the trial as it becomes official.