People v. Cross

Mr. PRESIDING JUSTICE TRAPP

delivered the opinion of the court:

Defendants appeal judgments of conviction of arson (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1979, ch. 38, par. 20 — 1(a)) entered upon jury verdicts and the sentences imposed. Upon denial of post-trial motions, Cross was sentenced to 7 years and Hunt was sentenced to 3 years and 6 months in prison. Defendants urge numerous claims of error.

A tavern owned by Peggy Artman was set afire at approximately 3 a.m. on August 11, 1978. A son of the owner, who was doing inside cleaning, heard the sound of an explosion and discovered the fire. The owner went to the…