Tonya Lucas: Arson 'science.' Maryland; Bulletin: On-going arson, murder trial: WBALTV: Reporter Barry Simms; June 27, 2017...." Lucas has denied starting the fire. The defense has claimed someone else did it, or something else caused it."

"Jurors heard more testimony Tuesday in the Tonya Lucas arson and murder trial, but Lucas missed most of it during the afternoon, and the case proceeded without her. Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Marcus Sharr gave Lucas permission to leave, and it could happen again as the trial moves forward because of Lucas' medical condition. The judge told the jury that Lucas had a necessary court-approved appointment. According to her attorneys, Lucas will have to undergo chemotherapy treatments several times during the trial. Her family said Lucas has stage four breast cancer. Prosecutors had asked to delay testimony in her absence, but the court decided to proceed with the case. Several former Baltimore City firefighters described to jurors the day they fought the fire in which six of Lucas' seven children died. Lt. Robert Jordan said he arrived in the 2400 block of East Eager Street on July 7, 1992, and observed the back door was wide open and a second-floor window was also open. He also said a woman was sitting out back on a cinder block, her hands covering her face, saying, "My children are in there, my children are in there.  The woman, identified as Lucas, did not hear the lieutenant's testimony during her trial. Jordan also said he could hear neighbors yelling, "There's children in there, there's children in there. Get in there and save them." Assistant State's Attorney Rita Wisthoff-Ito asked, "Did you have to restrain anyone from going into the house?" Jordan replied, "No ma'am, not at all." Wisthoff-Ito then asked, "Did the young woman ever try to come up and go into the house?"Jordan replied, "No ma'am." Retired firefighter August Pierson testified that he attempted CPR on a child about 10 to 12 years old in an ambulance. He said someone brought an infant in a car carrier to the medic unit. He said he thought it was a doll at first because the baby's arms and legs were rigid, but he did not stop CPR on the older child. Lucas has denied starting the fire. The defense has claimed someone else did it, or something else caused it. Jordan said there was no fire in the basement, just heavy smoke and heat. He helped turn off the gas and electric meters and found no indication of fire at those connections."Jordan replied, "No ma'am."....................................................http://www.wbaltv.com/article/tonya-lucas-allowed-to-leave-arson-murder-trial/10230125............PUBLISHER'S NOTE: I am monitoring this case/issue. Keep your eye on the Charles Smith Blog for reports on developments. The Toronto Star, my previous employer for more than twenty incredible years, has put considerable effort into exposing the harm caused by Dr. Charles Smith and his protectors - and into pushing for reform of Ontario's forensic pediatric pathology system. The Star has a "topic" section which focuses on recent stories related to Dr. Charles Smith. It can be found at: http://www.thestar.com/topic/charlessmith. Information on "The Charles Smith Blog Award"- and its nomination process - can be found at: http://smithforensic.blogspot.com/2011/05/charles-smith-blog-award-nominations.html Please send any comments or information on other cases and issues of interest to the readers of this blog to: hlevy15@gmail.com. Harold Levy; Publisher; The Charles Smith Blog;