State v. Phillips

CURETON, A.J.

Lawrence Phillips appeals his conviction and sentence for second-degree arson, arguing the trial court erred in refusing to direct a verdict of acquittal and in sentencing him to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole (LWOP). We affirm the refusal to direct a verdict but reverse the LWOP sentence and remand for resentencing.

FACTS

Phillips lived in a double-wide mobile home he rented from James Cook. On September 14, 2007, Phillips packed his belongings in his car and drove away. Within minutes, the mobile home burned.

Phillips was indicted and tried for second-degree…