Lester Parker, 66, was transported from the Warren County Jail for his appearance before Judge Greg Stephens. Parker, the owner of the Pater Avenue residence where firefighter Patrick Wolterman died in December 2015, is charged with two counts of aggravated arson and murder.
Parker was arrested on an indictment in December and his trial was scheduled to begin on Feb. 21. Today, defense attorney David Washington said he had receive a substantial amount of evidence, “with more to come.”
Parker then signed a time waiver, which gives up his right to a speedy trial.
Assistant Butler County Prosecutor David Kash told the judge he intended to try Parker together with co-defendant and nephew William "Billy" Tucker.
Tucker was arrested in Richmond, Ky., earlier this month and brought back to Ohio for trial last week. Tucker, 46, is also charge with aggravated arson and murder. He will be arraigned later today.
Prosecutors say Parker solicited Tucker to light the fire where Wolterman died fighting the blaze on Dec. 28, 2015.
Wolterman’s family and widow, Bre, along with Hamilton firefighters were in court for the hearing.
Parker and Tucker’s family also sat in the courtroom.
All declined comment.
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