NORWICH – A Chenango County Bureau of Fire investigator testified in court on Thursday, telling the jury about his interactions with the defendant and possible origins of the fire.

Ernest Franklin II, 36, is charged with second-degree murder, third-degree arson, and tampering with physical evidence.

Prosecutors said at around midnight on March 1, 2017 at their home at 457 State Route 8 in the Town of Guilford, the couple, Ernest Franklin and Heather Franklin, worked together to kill their 16-year-old disabled son Jeffrey Franklin and burn the evidence.

According to Chenango County Bureau of Fire Investigator Kavin Winton, the investigation into the cause and origin of the fire began on the same night the fire occurred, and he discussed several investigative red flags that appeared throughout his interview with Franklin.

“Mr. Franklin was a point of interest for us because not only was he the one who discovered the fire, but he was also the last person to leave the house before the fire started,” said Winton. “We ended up doing two interviews with him before the investigation had ended.”

He said during the first interview Franklin described various aspects of his home, including the locations heating sources, the history of the home, and the location of various electrical components.

“He said the wood-stove was the home’s main source of heat,” said Winton. “Then we discussed his son, Jeffrey.”

He testified that Franklin referred his adopted son Jeffrey in a very unusual way, and lowered his voice as he explained.

“He told me Jeffrey was diagnosed as a 'retard' – I’m sorry I lowered my voice, I’ve never heard a father describe their son that way before,” said Winton.

He said he asked Franklin about the things in Jeffrey’s room, and Franklin responded, “Piss.”