State v. McClain

Stone, Justice.

By verdict found guilty of carnal knowledge of a girl (his wife’s sister) under 14 years of age, defendant appeals from the order denying his motion for a new trial.

To the asserted surprise of the state, the prosecuting witness denied guilt both for herself and defendant. In consequence, there was no evidence either of corpus delicti or defendant’s guilt other than two confessions. One was a question and answer statement, signed by defendant without inducement of either threat of harm or promise of benefit, wherein he admitted guilt of the precise charge. He also gave a…