Thessen v. State

BOOCHEVER, Justice.

OPINION

This case involves a question as to whether multiple sentences may be imposed for conviction on numerous counts of manslaughter, under circumstances whereby one act of arson involved multiple victims.

On October 12, 1966, Thessen was charged with 14 counts of first degree murder. Each count was the same but for the names of the 14 decedents. Each count incorporated the provisions of AS 11.15.010 1 as follows:

[The accused] did purposely, wilfully, unlawfully and feloniously, while perpe*1193trating arson, kill [the decedent] by setting fire to the Lane Hotel, 246 C. Street,…