Cassie Ball

But during three days of testimony, the state laid out the case that it could have only been Matthew Plody who set that fire to conceal evidence of the murder of Melissa and their unborn baby, something the defense was about to contest. The state's fire expert deemed that this was arson.

But during three days of testimony, the state laid out the case that it could have only been Matthew Plody who set that fire to conceal evidence of the murder of Melissa and their unborn baby, something the defense was about to contest. The state's fire expert deemed that this was arson.

To try to poke holes in the prosecution's case, the defense called only one witness, retired firefighter and independent inspector John Knapp. He was not at the scene of the fire, but did study reports and photos.

To try to poke holes in the prosecution's case, the defense called only one witness, retired firefighter and independent inspector John Knapp. He was not at the scene of the fire, but did study reports and photos.

To try to poke holes in the prosecution's case, the defense called only one witness, retired firefighter and independent inspector John Knapp. He was not at the scene of the fire, but did study reports and photos.

He disputed the prosecution's claim that Plody set the fire. He testified that the evidence collected doesn't prove that the fire was intentionally set by anyone.

He disputed the prosecution's claim that Plody set the fire. He testified that the evidence collected doesn't prove that the fire was intentionally set by anyone.

He disputed the prosecution's claim that Plody set the fire. He testified that the evidence collected doesn't prove that the fire was intentionally set by anyone.

Michael Poole says the defense's expert is wrong and that his investigation was thorough.

Michael Poole says the defense's expert is wrong and that his investigation was thorough.

Michael Poole says the defense's expert is wrong and that his investigation was thorough.

Matthew Plody waived his right to testify. During closing arguments, the defense accused investigators of having tunnel vision.

Matthew Plody waived his right to testify. During closing arguments, the defense accused investigators of having tunnel vision.

Matthew Plody waived his right to testify. During closing arguments, the defense accused investigators of having tunnel vision.

Prosecutors told the jury that the evidence was clear. Melissa Lamish was strangled to death by the only person who had a motive to kill her, Matthew Plody, who was juggling multiple women and didn't want to change his lifestyle.

Prosecutors told the jury that the evidence was clear. Melissa Lamish was strangled to death by the only person who had a motive to kill her, Matthew Plody, who was juggling multiple women and didn't want to change his lifestyle.

Prosecutors told the jury that the evidence was clear. Melissa Lamish was strangled to death by the only person who had a motive to kill her, Matthew Plody, who was juggling multiple women and didn't want to change his lifestyle.

The trial lasted a week, and after two hours of deliberation, the jury returned with a verdict.

The trial lasted a week, and after two hours of deliberation, the jury returned with a verdict.

The trial lasted a week, and after two hours of deliberation, the jury returned with a verdict.