The Little Nasvhille Opry in Brown County burned down Sept. 19, 2009, and the trial of its suspected arsonist begins tomorrow.
James Bowyer of Morgantown is the former manager of the Opry and was arrested and charged with arson two years ago. Prosecutors allege Bower burned the music hall to get $3 million in insurance money.
As the Herald Times reports, the trial begins tomorrow with jury selection:
Brown County Prosecutor Jim Oliver said he intends to call 50 witnesses to testify, and predicted the trial likely will last two weeks. Brown Circuit Judge Judith Stewart is calling 100 potential jurors for the voir dire process, during which they will be questioned and selected.
Martinsville attorney John Boren is representing Bowyer, who he said has serious health issues. His client faces a 20-year sentence if convicted.
The evidence against Bowyer is circumstantial as there are no eye witnesses to the start of the fire.