The prosecution finished presenting its case against Patrick Thompson who is accused of setting a house on fire in Guthrie Center that killed two young girls.

According to a court official, the prosecution brought four more witnesses in to testify on the state’s behalf. Sources say a Division of Criminal Investigation agent reviewed text messages that Thompson sent in the days leading up to and following the overnight house fire in Guthrie Center on May 15, 2017 that killed Thompson’s step-sister 12-year-old Paige Exline and her cousin 16-year-old Shakiah Cockerham.

The defense will now have its turn to present its case to the jury. Thompson’s step-father James Exline was recently found guilty in June by a jury in Bremer County on felonies for second degree sexual abuse and third degree sexual abuse. He sexually abused Paige from June 2016 to April 2017 and was sentenced to 75 years in prison. Thompson’s step-brother Noah Exline is accused of sexually abusing Paige and faces seven felonies for sexual abuse. His trial will be held on October 30th.

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