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Mistrial gets new jury for man charged in fire that killed 3

Posted at 8:59 AM, Sep 22, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-22 08:59:21-04

An Ohio man accused of setting a fire that killed a 10-year-old and her grandparents on the day he was to go to trial on allegations of sexually assaulting her is getting a new trial with a new jury.

Robert Seman Jr.'s murder and arson trial began with jury selection earlier this month in Youngstown. Prosecutors sought a mistrial ruling, arguing that a potential juror prematurely concluded Seman is guilty and wrongly discussed details of the case with other jurors.

A judge granted the mistrial this week. A date hasn't been set for the new trial.

Seman, 46, went to trial on charges forrapeof a 10-year-old girl who, along with her grandparents, died in the fire.

Prosecutors allege Seman set the March 2015 fire in Youngstown hours before his scheduled rape trial. He was free on bond at the time.

Prosecutors say they'll seek the death penalty if he's convicted.