INDIANAPOLIS -- A judge ruled Friday that the Hamilton Avenue home in which seven people were killed in 2006 cannot be demolished until after the trial of the men charged in the case.

The burned out, structurally unsafe house at 560 North Hamilton Ave., was burned on Aug. 23, prompting calls from nearby residents and a plan from the city for it to be torn down.

---

Previous Images: Seven Relatives Slain In Indianapolis House

---

Judge Robert Altice concluded that the home is pertinent to the case against Desmond Turner and James Stewart. Their murder trial is set for February 2009.

"We believe that it's essential that the jury have an opportunity to see where this occurred and where witnesses were when they say they saw certain things," said Brent Westerfeld, Turner's attorney, in August.

Residents said the home has become a haven for drug addicts, along with several other vacant houses in the neighborhood.

Four adults and three children were fatally shot in the home in June 2006. If convicted, Turner – who police said was the triggerman – could be sentenced to death.