Motion To Dismiss Arson/Murder Case Is Denied By Judge

Closing arguments are expected today in the Nelson county arson/murder case. 58 year old, Linda Campbell Blackwell is on trial facing one count of first-degree murder in the death of James Shelton Sr., three counts of setting fires to an occupied dwelling for blazes on the same property in 2009, 2012 and 2013 and three counts of obtaining money by false pretenses. Blackwells’ defense attorney yesterday made a motion to dismiss the case on lack of evidence, arguing that the case was circumstantial, lacking an eyewitness or a confession; but the judge denied the motion. The trial resumes this morning at 9:30 a.m.