Medical data from pacemaker played key role in man's indictment

Data from an Ohio man's cardiac pacemaker helped serve as evidence in his indictment, according to WLWT.

Last September, a fire demolished Ross Compton's home in Middletown, Ohio. Police found gasoline on Mr. Compton's shirt, pants and shoes, and he was indicted on charges of arson and insurance fraud. Calling the investigation "utterly insane," Mr. Compton denied his involvement. "I had no motive whatsoever to burn down my house," he told WLWT.

In his 911 call after the fire, Mr. Compton said he grabbed his belongings and threw them out of a window before the fire enveloped his home. He also mentioned had a pacemaker.

A cardiologist informed police Mr. Compton's actions were "highly improbable" due to his medical condition. Additionally, police were able to gather electronic data from Mr. Compton's pacemaker to determine his heart rate and cardiac rhythms before, during and after the fire. The information from the pacemaker didn't align with Mr. Compton's story, according to the police.

"[The pacemaker] was one of the key pieces of evidence that allowed us to charge him," Lieutenant Jimmy Cunningham told WLWT.

Mr. Compton's arraignment is scheduled for later this month.

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