# Murder charges dropped for Baltimore firefighter fire suspect

> Baltimore man accused of 2022 fire killing three firefighters has murder charges dropped.
- Title: Murder charges dropped for Baltimore firefighter fire suspect
- Summary: Baltimore man accused of 2022 fire killing three firefighters has murder charges dropped. Baltimore State's Attorney dropped murder charges against James…
- Keywords: baltimore, firefighters, stricker street, james barnett, murder charges, fire investigation, baltimore state's attorney, news, local, Murder, charges, dropped
- Source: The Banner — https://thebanner.com/community/criminal-justice/baltimore-fire-stricker-street-ZV6SSOUIWJC7TGETFSINEUPCPA
- Author: Adam Thompson, WJZ
- Published: 2026-10-14T00:40:10.214+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: baltimore, firefighters, stricker street, james barnett, murder charges, fire investigation, baltimore state's attorney, news, local
## Murder charges dropped
Three counts of second-degree murder have been dropped against James Barnett, 58, accused of setting a fire in a vacant rowhome on Stricker Street in 2022 that killed three firefighters.
## Fire killed three firefighters
The fire killed Lt. Kelsey Sadler, Lt. Paul Butrim and EMT/firefighter Kenny Lacayo on Jan. 24, 2022.
## Charges to be submitted to jury
A spokesperson for the State’s Attorney’s Office said charges of arson, three counts of involuntary manslaughter and five counts of reckless endangerment will be submitted to the jury for consideration Wednesday.
## Trial began in early October
The trial began in early October with jurors hearing testimony from witnesses and fire investigators, and presented with video showing events leading up to the fire.
## Surveillance footage evidence
ATF Special Agent Adam St. John testified that he recovered footage from a mosque showing a person walking toward the back of the rowhome before the fire.
## Defendant's defense
Barnett’s public defender, Jason Rodriguez, told jurors they would hear a 'puzzling case' that 'doesn’t add up' and argued the evidence would show Barnett is innocent.
## Key takeaway

Baltimore State's Attorney dropped murder charges against James Barnett, 58, accused of setting a fire that killed three firefighters in 2022.