People v. Pearson

This is an appeal from a conviction for arson, after a bench trial, with sentence in the Illinois State Penitentiary for a period of twelve (12) to twenty (20) years.

On August 26, 1964, at approximately 2:00 p. m., the building located at 3639 South State Street caught fire. On January 13, 1965, defendant waived a jury and was tried on a charge of arson. Mr. Morris, who had a store located in that building, testified that prior to the fire he saw defendant enter the building with a can.

Winston Cater stated that he saw defendant come out of the building; that he accused defendant of setting…