Deliberations resume in Hilton trial

LAWRENCE – Twelve jurors resumed deliberations Tuesday in the murder and arson trial of Lynn grandmother Kathleen Hilton.The trial began Jan. 12 and closing arguments were completed last Friday, when Judge Howard Whitehead charged the jury. Since the jury was not sequestered, no deliberations were held over the Presidents Day holiday weekend.Hilton stands accused of torching a Lynn triple decker in 1999. Five occupants on the third floor died from smoke inhalation. Prosecutors have alleged Hilton set fire to the apartment building because it was home to her son’s estranged ex-girlfriend, Krystina Sutherland, the mother of her two grandchildren.Essex Assistant District Attorney Marcia Slingerland has asserted Hilton burned the dwelling, hoping to leave Sutherland homeless and force her to return to her son with the children.Defense lawyer Michael Natola said Hilton had no reason to harm her grandchildren. Hilton, 62, has been imprisoned since her arrest shortly after the fire.Two alternate jurors attended the entire trial and can be called if necessary but are not part of the deliberations.