EUREKA, Ill. – The then-nine-year-old boy arrested in 2019 for allegedly setting a fire that killed five people at a trailer park in Goodfield will not have to be in the courtroom when his trial begins.
25 News reports a judge granted the request during a hearing in Woodford County Circuit Court regarding the trial of Kyle Alwood — previously identified in other media outlets by his mother, Katrina.
Alwood’s attorney said in court that his client has problems being in the courtroom, but didn’t elaborate.
Prosecutors didn’t object to the request.
The boy, however, is not yet believed to have been found fit to stand trial on murder and arson charges after the blaze. Only he and Katrina Alwood escaped.
Another hearing is scheduled for May 13th.