Court Roundup

Massachusetts Arson suspect's lawyers want video dismissed NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (AP) -- The Northampton man accused of setting a fire that killed a father and son told police during questioning that he never intended to hurt anyone. Anthony Baye made his statements in a video shown Wednesday in Hampshire Superior Court where a judge is expected to determine whether the statements are admissible at trial. Baye faces various charges including two counts of murder after allegedly setting a series of fires on Dec. 27, 2009, including one that took the lives of 81-year-old Paul Yeskie and his son, 39-year-old Paul Yeskie Jr. Baye's defense lawyers want the video excluded from trial because they say police denied Baye his right to have a lawyer present during questioning. In the video, after about two hours of questioning, Baye asks for a lawyer. Texas Judge returns to bench after acquittal EL PASO, Texas (AP) -- A suspended judge expects to be back on the state district court bench in El Paso a day after her acquittal of corruption charges. State District Judge Regina Arditti returns to duty Thursday after El Paso County jurors acquitted her Wednesday of two bribery counts, two counts of abuse of official capacity and one count of prohibition applicable to trading. Prosecutors had accused the judge of agreeing to hire state District Judge Manuel Barraza's sister as court coordinator in return for Barraza agreeing to hire Arditti's son as a bailiff. Barraza also was charged in the case, but those charges were dropped when he was sentenced to five years in prison in July in a federal bribery case. He was reindicted and is scheduled for trial May 23. Massachusetts Police find bomb at murder suspect's Lowell home LOWELL, Mass. (AP) -- Police say a search of the home of a 19-year-old Lowell man accused of a killing in Lawrence last summer has led to the discovery of a pipe bomb. Police say a search of Rafael Martinez's bedroom uncovered the device Wednesday. Area homes were evacuated and the state police bomb squad eventually used a water cannon attached to a robot to disable the bomb inside the home, creating a loud bang. Rafael Martinez pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Monday in Lawrence District Court to charges of murder, possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition. He is being held without bail. Prosecutors say Martinez shot 20-year-old Timothy Walker of Lawrence in the head as Walker sat on his porch in Lawrence on July 24, 2010. Published: Fri, May 13, 2011