Commonwealth v. Mathews

The defendant appeals from his conviction of arson of a dwelling house (G. L. c. 266, § 1) and claims error in the denial of his motion to dismiss the indictment on the ground that the Commonwealth failed to produce a light fixture which would exculpate him, and in the denial of his motions for a directed verdict. He also claims that he was denied due process because the prosecutor failed to keep a promise to dismiss the charges. We affirm.

1. The judge denied the motion to dismiss the indictment after the prosecutor asserted and offered to introduce evidence to prove that the fixture claimed…