People v. Lockhart

This is the second trial of defendant for arson in violation of section 447a, Penal Code. The jury found him guilty; he appeals from the judgment of conviction and order denying his motion for a new trial.

Viewing the evidence and all inferences reasonably to be drawn therefrom in a light most favorable to the verdict the following is a summary of the facts. Defendant is a minister, carpenter and cement mixer. Although actually purchased for a church, defendant bought the property on which the fire occurred in his own name; the house thereon was a duplex, one side of which was then occupied by…