State v. Schaffer

The defendant in the Court of Common Pleas of Lawrence County, one Billy Joe Schaffer (appellant in this court), was indicted by the county grand jury on five separate counts: (1) murder in the first degree; (2) arson; (3) mutilation of a dead body; (4) maliciously entering a dwelling house and attempting to commit a felony; and (5) burning personal property of a value greater than $25; contrary to and in violation of statutes making such offenses criminal.

The jury returned a verdict of guilty on all counts, and recommended mercy on the count of first degree murder.

It is strenuously argued on…