State v. Pitts

Defendant appeals from his conviction by a jury of arson in the second degree. ORS 164.315. Defendant’s contentions on appeal are that the trial judge improperly admitted evidence of certain acts and statements by defendant.

On July 18, 1976, defendant lived in a house occupied by the Greiss family. At about 7 p.m. on July 18, defendant, who was drunk at the time, emerged from the house and commented to a neighbor, 'Til get even with them. I’ll bum their garage down.” At 8 p.m. that evening, and again at 10:30 p.m., defendant engaged in arguments with the Greisses, and was eventually ordered…