The trial for an Ames man accused of setting fire to a Guthrie Center home and killing two young girls inside began at the Monroe County Courthouse in Albia Monday. The jury selection process began in the trial for 27-year-old Patrick Ryan Thompson.

According to court officials, the prosecution and defense asked generalized questions to the group of potential jurors. Depending on how the potential jurors answered, they would be taken into the judge’s chambers for a separate line of questions. Officials anticipate the full panel of twelve jurors and two alternates will be selected today. Opening statements could possibly begin today as well.

The trial was originally moved from Guthrie County to Decatur County, but is now taking place in Monroe County after a mistrial. Thompson is facing two class A felonies for first degree murder, two class B felonies for attempted murder, and one class C felony for first degree arson for the May 2017 incident. The fire resulted in the deaths of 12-year-old Paige Exline and 16-year-old Shakiah Cockerham.

Thompson faces up to life in prison without parole if convicted of first degree murder, and up to 25 years if convicted on any of the other charges. Raccoon Valley Radio will bring you daily updates from the trial.