The trial against an Ames man accused of setting a house fire that killed two young girls in Guthrie Center continues in Monroe County.

According to a court official, the full panel of 12 jurors were selected towards the end of the day on Tuesday, with two alternates. The court officials tells Raccoon Valley Radio the prosecution will give their opening statements and the defense will also be given an opportunity to give their opening statements to the jury. The prosecution will then present their entire case to the jury before the defense gives their side.

Twenty-seven-year-old Patrick Thompson is charged with two Class A Felonies for first degree murder, two Class B Felonies for attempted murder and one Class C Felony for first degree arson. He is accused of setting a house on fire in Guthrie Center in May of 2017. The fire resulted in the deaths of  12-year-old Paige Exline and Paige’s cousin, 16-year-old Shakiah Cockerham. Their grandmother Shirley Exline, as well as their uncle William Long III were injured in the incident.

Raccoon Valley Radio will continue to bring you daily updates of the trial as it becomes available.