Jurors began deliberating the fate of Antun Lewis, 27, on Friday.
Lewis faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. The death penalty was taken off the table because he’s mentally disabled.
Prosecutors said during the trial that Lewis splashed gasoline around the house and set the 2005 fire, possibly to settle a drug debt. Lewis’ team argued the case was based on a jailhouse informant who framed him.
The informant, Marion Jackson, testified he had served as lookout when the fire was set. Lewis has an extensive criminal record and has served six prison terms totaling 15 years.
The fire killed 33-year-old Medeia Carter, four of her children and four other youngsters attending a sleepover marking Moses Williams Jr.’s 14th birthday.
Prosecutors charged Lewis with a federal count of arson and tried the case in federal court because the house on East 87th Street where the fire happened was rented on a federal subsidy.
WKYC.com
