People ex rel. Pendleton v. Smith

One August evening the Pendletons entertained with a backyard clambake at their home. Finally, at an early morning hour the guests had all gone home, leaving Pendleton and his wife Virginia alone at the scene. Came morning and only Pendleton was left. Virginia was gone and only the barbecue pit knew. Later that day Virginia’s charred remains were found in the ashes of the fire pit.

Pendleton was tried for her murder. At the conclusion of the People’s evidence, the Trial Judge dismissed the charges, ruling that there was insufficient proof to corroborate his confession. Following this court…