What is already the longest running criminal trial for Franklin County in recent memory continues today as defense attorneys work to prove Christie Michelle Scott's innocence.

Scott, 30, is accused of starting a fire Aug. 16 at her Signore Drive home in Russellville that killed her 6-year-old son, Mason.

Today will be the third day of testimony from defense witnesses in the trial that started June 8 with jury selection.

Franklin District Attorney Joey Rushing rested the state's case Thursday after 10 days of testimony from prosecution witnesses.

After the prosecution rested its case, defense attorney Robert Tuten filed a motion to dismiss the charges against Scott, claiming prosecutors had failed to provide any evidence that she started the fire.

"The state has not met their burden of proof to prove Mrs. Scott is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt," Tuten told Franklin Circuit Court Judge Terry Dempsey.

"There has been no testimony, your honor, as far as how Mrs. Scott started the fire. There has been an assumption by everyone who testified for the state because they could find no other cause and origin that she must have done it."

Dempsey denied Tuten's motion.

Prosecutors contend Scott set her younger son Noah's bed afire as Mason slept on his bed only a few feet away. Local, state and federal investigators have testified that the fire started on Noah's bed.

Prosecutors have said Scott started the fire to collect an insurance settlement on her son. Tuten contends the fire was accidental. Among the witnesses expected to testify this week is a fire investigator hired by the defense.

Franklin County court officials say they are unaware of any other criminal trials that lasted more than three weeks in the county. A civil trial once lasted 16 days.

The trial is expected to continue into a fifth week after it's recessed Thursday for the July 4 holiday.

Dennis Sherer can be reached at 740-5746 or dennis.sherer@TimesDaily.com.