Wilks v. State

OPINION

SEERDEN, Chief Justice.

Harold Wilks appeals his convictions for arson and the murder of his wife, Virginia Wilks, by setting her on fire. Wilks was tried by jury and sentenced to 45 years in prison for the murder and 20 years for the arson, plus $10,000 fines for each offense. Wilks raises two points on appeal complaining that the trial court erred in admitting testimony about certain statements that Virginia made both before and after the fire.

At around 10:00 p.m. on December 16, 1995, neighbors noticed smoke coming from the Wilks’ house and found Harold Wilks just outside the kitchen…