People v. Lawson

Defendant, jailed in St. Clair County on murder charges, told the police he did not want to be interviewed and requested an attorney. An attorney entered an appearance on defendant’s behalf.

While in jail, defendant set his cell on fire, confessed, was charged with arson, convicted by a jury, sentenced to eight years, and appeals, claiming: (1) that the State failed to prove the corpus delicti of arson; (2) that his confession was introduced into evidence in violation of Edwards v. Arizona (1981), 451 U.S. 477, 68 L. Ed. 2d 378, 101 S. Ct. 1880; and (3) that the trial court erred in admitting…