State v. Sparks

Hobert Sparks appeals from his conviction by a jury of first degree arson in the Circuit Court of Pleasants County, for which he received two to twenty years in the penitentiary. Finding no error in the proceedings below, we affirm the conviction.

On July 29, 1980, a house owned by Gale and Elizabeth Flowers was destroyed by fire. Appellant and his brother, Raymond, lived about IV4 miles from the Flowers residence. On August 19, 1980, the appellant went to the St. Mary’s detachment of the West Virginia State Police and volunteered his assistance in finding the arsonist.

On August 25, 1980,…