Closing statements in church arson trial set

Closing statements in church arson trial set

By Associated Press  |   Monday, April 11, 2011  |  http://www.bostonherald.com  |  Local Coverage

SPRINGFIELD — The trial of a white man charged with burning down a predominantly black Massachusetts church in anger over Barack Obama’s election as president is winding down.

A jury on Monday is scheduled to hear closing statements in the trial of 26-year-old Michael Jacques.

Closing arguments will follow in federal court in Springfield.

Jacques isn’t expected to testify.

Jacques and two friends were charged with setting fire to the Macedonia Church of God in Christ in Springfield hours after Obama’s election in November 2008.

The two friends pleaded guilty. One was sentenced to nine years in prison and the other awaits sentencing.

Jacques says he’s innocent and was coerced into confessing while suffering withdrawal from painkillers and cigarettes.

Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view.bg?articleid=1329887