The trial for a Bosnian couple charged with intentionally setting their mobile home on fire two years ago continued Wednesday with testimony from arson investigators.
If convicted by a Cass County jury, Sadik and Hajrija Beciraj, both charged with conspiracy to commit arson, face up to 10 years in prison and deportation.
The couple's mobile home at 822 Countryside Trailer Park in Fargo was heavily damaged during a fire Jan. 29, 2001.
Brian Poykko, an electrical engineer from Grand Forks, was hired by American Family Insurance to investigate the home's electrical system.
Poykko told jurors that he looked at the home's water heater and circuit system before ruling them out as a source for the fire.
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Previously, Sadik Beciraj told firefighters the home's lights dimmed when the water heater came on.
Wednesday, firefighters said they found nothing wrong with the heater during an inspection.
Prosecutors claim the couple tried to destroy the home while defense attorneys argue that investigators can't determine how the fire started.
Scientific testing completed at labs showed no accelerants were used in the blaze.
The couple arrived in Fargo from Bosnia about six years ago and their insurance policy had been cancelled about three weeks before the fire.
The couple also suffered a mobile home fire that destroyed all their possessions in December 1998. A plugged dryer vent caused the fire.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Steven P. Wagner at (701) 241-5542
