Arson Suspect's Trial Set for June in Schenectady

The trial for Edward Leon, accused of setting a fatal fire in Schenectady, is scheduled to begin with jury selection on June 1. Leon faces federal charges for allegedly causing the 2013 blaze on Hulett Street that resulted in the deaths of David Terry and his three children, and severely injured Safyre Terry, who was five years old at the time.

Leon, who was previously dismissed as a suspect, was indicted by a grand jury and charged with the malicious use of fire to destroy property resulting in death. He had earlier been found guilty of making false statements to a grand jury about his whereabouts and actions on the day of the fire. Leon was sentenced to 10 years in prison for those charges.

The new charges against Leon carry a potential death penalty, life imprisonment, or a fine of up to $250,000. Prosecutors will decide next month whether to pursue the death penalty. Leon remains in federal custody after being denied bail in August.

The fire, which devastated the Terry family, left Safyre with severe burns and the loss of her left foot and right hand. Her mother, Jennica Duell, was sentenced to over 11 years for providing false testimony about the events leading up to the fire.

According to the Daily Gazette, Leon is set to return to court on August 6.