The Associated Press
RIVERSIDE, Calif. — A judge says jurors in the trial of a California man accused of setting a deadly wildfire will get to see photos of a flame tattoo on his arm.
Raymond Lee Oyler’s attorney said he was concerned jurors might see the tattoo photos and conclude his client is an arsonist. But a judge ruled Thursday that the jury could see four photos of Oyler’s left arm.
The 38-year-old Oyler is accused of setting the October 2006 fire that killed five U.S. Forest Service firefighters in the San Jacinto Mountains, about 90 miles east of Los Angeles.
Prosecutors contend Oyler was a serial arsonist who set some two dozen blazes. He has pleaded not guilty to 45 counts, including murder and arson, and faces the death penalty if convicted.