People v. Belcher

Defendant, Harry Belcher, was charged with and convicted, following trial by jury, of committing murder in the perpetration of arson in contravention of MCLA § 750.316 (Stat Ann 1954 Rev § 28.548). Defendant was sentenced to life imprisonment and brings this appeal upon leave granted.

In the early morning of January 25, 1965, a fire struck the home of defendant, his wife, and six children. Defendant escaped the blaze suffering only from smoke inhalation. The remainder of the family died due to asphyxiation brought about by the smoke. Following investigation by the Fern-dale police and fire…