Richard Taylor is charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of his mother and stepfather.

Ontario Fire Marshal Investigator David Emberlin spent three days sifting through the debris of the fire that killed Carla and Alan Rutherford in July of 2018 in Dundas.

Emberlin determined the master bedroom was where the fire began. The majority of the hardwood was disintegrated throughout the room, but it was so burnt at the foot of the bed, that you could see into the basement. The fire also burned through the roof.

Emberlin took samples of a book on the floor and clothing from under the bed in the master bedroom that was unaffected by the flames. They were sent to the Centre of Forensic Sciences for testing.

The results revealed the samples were soaked with medium petroleum, an ignitible liquid.

Emberlin couldn’t say which liquid was used, examples of what the liquid could have been include barbeque fluid, kerosene, lighter fluid, and paint thinner.

Emberlin says a significant amount possibly seven litres or more was poured at the foot of the bed on the floor and up the sides.

“If it was a little amount, you would have had a small fire on the floor. People would have gotten out of the room. This is a fairly substantial fire that is immediate,” Emberlin said.

The Crown is trying to prove he killed his parents because was in serious debt and wanted his mother’s money.

The trial by jury continues on Friday.