Baye jury will get to watch interview

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - A Hampshire County jury will be allowed to watch the interview between accused Northampton arsonist Anthony Baye and two law enforcement officials, a judge has ruled.

According to a news release sent to 22News by the Northwestern District Attorney’s office, Judge Constance Sweeney ruled against all motions to suppress evidence in the case.

Baye is accused of two counts of murder, as well as multiple counts of arson and other charges in connection with a 15 fires he allegedly set on the morning of December 27, 2009. One of those fires killed Paul Yeskie, 81, and Paul Yeskie, Jr., 39.

The defense filed motions to suppress earlier this year , arguing that police had illegally stopped Baye’s vehicle the night of the fires, and that troopers did not stop asking questions after Baye invoked his right to a lawyer. Baye also claimed that his statements were not voluntary, and that due to the interrogation, he was denied his right to proper arraignment.

Baye was interviewed over a 12 hour period by State Trooper Michael Mazza and Sgt. Paul Zipper of the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Special Prosecutor Brett Vottero is satisfied with Sweeney’s decision. “We’re pleased that a jury will hear- and evaluate for themselves- this very important piece of evidence,” Vottero said in the DA’s news release.