BESSEMER -- Update 10:48 p.m. EST
The big news coming out of day four's murder trial happened when Dennis Hahn's former coworker and friend, Josh Paynter, took the stand.
Paynter testified that Hahn discussed his involvement in the mobile home fire with him including that Hahn and Joel McFarlane had a physical confrontation. He testified what Hahn told him happened next.
"Then he found some lighter fluid within the trailer and sprayed it around, and then started it on fire,” testified Paynter. “[Hahn] explained to me also that after he did set the place on fire that he did go into the woods and watch it burn."
Paynter is the first witness to testify that Hahn admitted to starting the fire that killed McFarlane.
Fifteen other witnesses were also called to testify Wednesday including Michigan State Police Detective Sergeant Tom Rajala, who investigated the incident. Rajala said Hahn changed his story during separate interviews in May 2010.
But during cross examination by defense attorney James McKenzie, it was revealed that Hahn never confessed to police.
“He never admitted to setting any fire at Mr. McFarlane's residence to you, did he?" asked McKenzie.
"Not to me; that's correct," said Rajala.
The prosecution is expected to rest its case Thursday.
When approached Wednesday, McKenzie didn't say if Hahn would testify during the trial.
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Update 4:20 p.m. EST
Another witness testimony was submitted on Wednesday afternoon.
Josh Paynter worked with Hahn at the time of the incident. While working together, Hahn explained to Paynter that he went to McFarlane's home on the day of the fire. Paynter went on to explain that Hahn said there was a fight with McFarlane over money from a car accident the day before. Paynter says Hahn then told him that he started McFarlane's house on fire.
Paynter also admitted to regularly using drugs with Hahn.
Prosecution is still calling witnesses in the trial.
TV6's Aaron Martin is at the trial and will have updated information later Wednesday evening.
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More witnesses have taken the stand in the trial of 31-year-old Dennis Hahn.
Hahn has been charged with felony murder, second degree homicide, arson, and first degree home invasion. He allegedly is connected to a September 2009 mobile home fire in Ironwood Township that killed 54-year-old Joel McFarlane.
One of Wednesday's witnesses spoke of discussions they had with the defendant after the fire. The witness said that Hahn mentioned several times that the victim got what he deserved, but never claimed responsibility.
Another witness, a friend of the victim, did not believe that the original theory that McFarlane's death was a suicide, due to never having seen the victim appear depressed or suicidal.
The prosecution will continue to present their case through Wednesday and possibly into Thursday.
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