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Expert: Stove Brand In Day Care Fire Had Problems

An engineering expert says a faulty stove, not a day care owner, caused a Texas fire that killed four children. Prosecutors allege the blaze at her home day care began after oil in a pan ignited on a stovetop burner she had left on. Bonyata testified that other stoves of the same brand had problems such as their burners turning on by themselves or unexpectedly jumping from low to high heat.

HOUSTON (AP) -- An engineering expert says a faulty stove, not a day care owner, caused a Texas fire that killed four children.

Defense witness Richard Bonyata is testifying at the murder trial for day care owner Jessica Tata. Prosecutors allege the 2011 blaze at her home day care in Houston began after oil in a pan ignited on a stovetop burner she had left on.

Bonyata testified Tuesday that other stoves of the same brand had problems such as their burners turning on by themselves or unexpectedly jumping from low to high heat.

Bonyata is scheduled to be back on the witness stand Wednesday.

He testimony was cut short Tuesday because prosecutors wanted their expert in the courtroom. Engineering expert David Reiter testified earlier that he found no problems with the stove.

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