GLENDALE : Defense Seeks to Quash Key Evidence in Arson Trial
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As the trial of suspected serial arsonist John L. Orr approaches, his attorney has moved to quash two key pieces of evidence: Orr’s fingerprint, found on a fire-setting device, and the Glendale fire captain’s unpublished novel.
Douglas McCann said he also plans to seek an independent psychiatric review to find whether his client, Glendale’s chief arson investigator, possesses an arsonist’s mental and emotional profile. He said that a Long Beach psychologist already has found that Orr lacks such traits.
Based on this, McCann said he will ask that Orr, 42, of Eagle Rock, be released from electronic house arrest.
Los Angeles Federal Court Judge Edward Rafeedie is to conduct a status conference Friday to discuss postponement of the March 17 trial date and other issues. Charges against Orr include five counts of arson involving retail store fires in Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo counties.
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