The first-degree murder trial of former Hamilton school teacher Richard Taylor was supposed to get underway on Monday but instead needed to canvas for more jurors after several members asked to be excused.

Taylor stands accused of burning his parents alive in their Dundas home.

Taylor pleaded not guilty to two counts of first-degree murder.

Police say his mother Carla Rutherford and his stepfather Alan Rutherford were sleeping in their Dundas home in July of 2018, when suddenly their bedroom erupted in flames.

Investigators say the blaze was deliberately set.

Carla died in the home, but Alan managed to escape the fire and go to his neighbours for help. He died shortly after.

At the time, Hamilton police told the public that Taylor was financially motivated to allegedly kill his parents.

Twelve jurors and two alternates had already been selected but four jurors backed out. Some due to mental health stresses, others because of financial issues and work obligations. As jury selection to fill their spots was happening, another juror told the judge he couldn’t do it either.

The spots were filled Monday afternoon, and now with a complete jury once again, the six-week trial is set to start on Wednesday.