A Rochester man accused of purposely setting a fire in order to kill his ex-girlfriend's father could have some of the DNA evidence reportedly being used against him re-examined by an out-of-state forensic lab, Judge Robert C. Noonan ruled today.
Andre L. Scott, 30, of 2323 Spencerport Road, Rochester, is in Genesee County Jail on high bail while his attorney Thomas Burns prepares for a trial on attempted murder, burglary and arson charges filed against Scott.
Scott is a accused of purposefully setting a fire at 12 Elm St. on Jan. 24, 2009. He was arrested in August.
Because Scott cannot afford an attorney, Burns is his appointed counsel. The DNA testing, private investigator and expert witnesses Burns might call are being paid for by the county.
One glitch in getting new DNA tests is that there may not be enough of sample left from the original evidence to properly test it. Burns is researching that matter.
The samples come from a Clorox bleach bottle found at the scene of the fire and a book of matches.
Noonan noted that the DNA tests could cost a substantial amount of money, but given the seriousness of the case, he was mindful of "the importance of sufficient preparation for the defendant to be ready for trial."
The expense could including bringing in a forensic expert to testify about the findings from the lab in Massachusetts.
The private investigator will not be a significant expense, Burns said.
Scott has until June 30 to accept a plea bargain, or go to trial on Aug. 23.
