People v. Bell

Opinion

RICHLI, Acting P. J.—

I

INTRODUCTION1

On October 15, 2007, defendant Johnny Lee Bell set fire to some rags, some towels, and a chair that were piled on top of his mother’s car, which was parked in front of her house. He also set fire to some adult diapers and other items near a back gate of the house, causing the gate to catch fire. A neighbor witnessed him setting fire to the items on the car. Defendant was arrested near the house and found to be carrying a lighter.

Prior to trial, defendant’s trial counsel raised a doubt as to defendant’s competency, and a jury trial on his competency…