Man says didn’t set fire that led to firefighter’s death

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FILE - In this Dec. 31, 2015, file photo, Hamilton, Ohio, firefighters move the casket for Patrick Wolterman into an awaiting fire engine at the Hodapp Funeral Home in Cincinnati. A homeowner and his nephew are scheduled to go on trial in Ohio for murder in a 2015 house fire that resulted in the death of Hamilton firefighter Wolterman. Butler County Judge Greg Stephens said the court should try to seat a jury first. He set jury selection for Monday, Nov. 6. (Cameron Knight/The Cincinnati Enquirer via AP, File)

HAMILTON, Ohio – An Ohio homeowner charged in a 2015 arson that led to a firefighter’s death has testified he did not set fire to his house or hire anyone else to do it.

Lester Parker testified Monday at his trial in southwestern Ohio’s Butler County. He and his nephew are charged in the fire that resulted in the death of Hamilton firefighter Patrick Wolterman. The firefighter fell through a floor of the burning home.

Prosecutors say Parker solicited nephew William “Billy” Tucker to set the fire to collect insurance money. Parker and Tucker have pleaded not guilty to murder and arson counts.

Wolterman’s death was the first of a Hamilton firefighter in the line of duty since 1971.

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