The bail hearing for a Hamilton teacher accused of killing his mom and her husband in a fire deliberately set in their Dundas home began Tuesday.

Richard (Rich) Taylor, 43, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the July 9, 2018, arson deaths of 64-year-old Carla and 63-year-old Alan (Al) Rutherford.

The bail hearing in Hamilton Superior Court is being presided over by Justice Paul Sweeny.

Taylor is represented by defence attorney Alison Craig. Deputy Crown Janet Booy is prosecuting.

There are five proposed sureties who sat in the body of the court, among them were Taylor's wife and his father.

Taylor, wearing a black suit and white shirt, sat quietly.

Details of the proceeding, including evidence discussed, cannot be reported because of a publication ban.

However, The Spectator has previously reported that police believe the fire set at 8 Greening Ct. early on the morning of July 9, 2018, was financially motivated.

Taylor has been in custody since his arrest in January 2019.

An exclusive series, Dying Words, published by The Spectator last April detailed how Alan allegedly named Rich in the moments before he collapsed. The 63-year-old, with burns to more than 80 per cent of his body, had managed to get out of the house and knock on a neighbour's door.

He collapsed and later died in hospital. Carla was pulled from their house by firefighters, who attempted resuscitation on the front lawn. But it was too late.

The retired couple were well-liked and had no enemies.

Rich Taylor is the oldest of two brothers and grew up in the Greening Court home.

At the time of his arrest, he lived in Oakville with his wife and two kids. He was a teacher at Hess Street Elementary School in Hamilton.

The bail hearing is scheduled for four days.

noreilly@thespec.com

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