SPOKANE, Wash – The man accused of starting the fire that burned down hundreds of Spokane homes won’t be back in court Friday as scheduled, as the court waits for a second mental health evaluation.
Aaron Farinacci faces five counts of first degree arson. Police say he admitted starting the Old Trails Fire on August 1st and several other fires in the area over the past year.
The Old Trails Fire spread quickly in high winds, jumped the Spokane River and burned down entire neighborhoods.
Farinacci has a criminal history that includes a 10-year prison sentence for manslaughter. He killed his father in Arizona in 2010.
Before proceeding with his criminal trial, a judge ordered a mental health evaluation. That evaluation revealed Farinacci had major depressive disorder, but has the capacity to understand the charges against him and assist in his defense.
Farinacci was supposed to face a judge earlier this month for a hearing to determine for sure if the criminal case would proceed. However, court records show a second evaluation was ordered.
Results of that evaluation have not yet been included in the court file.
Farinacci was scheduled for a stay hearing Friday morning where a judge would rule on the status of the case and whether or not the criminal case should be on hold for any further mental health evaluation or treatment.
Thursday afternoon, the criminal court coordinator messaged 4 News Now and said the hearing would not take place, as the court waits for the second evaluation.
It’s not clear yet when a new hearing will take place.
Farinacci also faces federal charges for the fire, but no court dates have been set.
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