Esperanza wildfire - Penalty phase of Oyler trial interrupted

Oyler trial halted over medical issue apparently involving Oyler

Update: 03-11-09 AM - The Esperanza trial judge ruled Wednesday that a man convicted of murder for setting a 2006 wildfire that killed five firefighters is mentally competent and the penalty phase of his trial will continue.

Riverside County Superior Court Judge W. Charles Morgan based his ruling on a 12-page report prepared by a court-appointed psychologist who examined Raymond Lee Oyler overnight. The jury was to return later in the day.

Oyler, 38, was convicted Friday of five counts of first-degree murder, 20 counts of arson and 17 counts of using an incendiary device. He could face the death penalty for setting an Oct. 26, 2006, blaze that overwhelmed five U.S. Forest Service firefighters defending an isolated home in mountains 90 miles east of Los Angeles.

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Testimony in the penalty phase of the Raymond Lee Oyler trial halted abruptly over a medical issue that apparently involves Oyler.

The action took place after a morning of emotional and graphic testimony, including pictures, about the deaths of the five-member crew of U.S. Forest Service Engine 57. Testimony included extinguishing two still-burning bodies, including one with canteens, by the firefighters who discovered them.

Firefighter family members rushed from the courtroom and several jurors were visibly crying.

Court reconvened at 10:40 a.m. after a 20-minute break, and Oyler attorney Thomas K. Eckhardt immediately asked Riverside County Superior Court judge W. Charles Morgan for a chambers conference.

Attorneys emerged 10 minutes later. Morgan called the 8-woman, 4-man jury back into court and dismissed them for the day.

He then instructed his clerk to contact three doctors from an authorized list, seeing if they could set up an examination within 24 to 48 hours. Morgan disclosed nothing about Oyler or the need for the doctors. Attorneys on both sides declined comment.

Morgan then told Oyler case attorneys to return to court at 2:30 today.

Oyler did not stand with his council when jurors entered and departed the room in the late morning session. At one point, he appeared to be muttering to himself.

He was dressed in a light brown shirt and no jacket. During the trial, he had been dressed in the full suit.

Source: PE.com - Link