Opinion ID: 2229858
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Trial Court's Ruling on Guilt

Text: The trial court found the defendant guilty on all charges. The court stated that all of the evidence pointed to guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The court found that the defendant clearly had a motive to commit the crimes, and referenced defendant's letter to Linda, his statements and his behavior. The court further found that if the fire had been an accidental, smoldering fire, as the defendant's statements imply, then the adults in the house that night would have discovered the fire before leaving. The court stated that the testimony of the State's expert, De-Hann, showed that the fire was not accidental. The court also found the testimony of defense expert Neuf to be incredible. The court found that there was no connection between the fire underneath the stairs and the fire in the basement. The court stated that the testimony regarding the defendant's reputation for peacefulness was contradicted by his abusive relationship with Linda Walls. The court constructed a time line on the night of the fire which demonstrated that the defendant had the opportunity to set the fires at Linda Walls' house on the night of December 8. The court further noted that remnants of kerosene were found on the defendant's pants, and heavy petroleum distillate was found on the beer cans and cups from the kitchen. Finally, the court stated, based upon all the evidence in this case, I find the defendant guilty in the manner and form charged in all counts of the indictment.