State v. Gowin

The defendant was convicted of the crime of arson and appeals.

The defendant purchased a small two bedroom home in Halsey for the sum of $1,000. He then insured the house for $6,000 to cover replacement value, and insured the contents for $4,000. The insurance was taken in Mrs. Gowin’s name. On April 5, 1964, the property was destroyed by fire.

James Lannus, a former boarder at defendant’s home and who was in arrears on his board to the extent of $50, testified the defendant offered him $250 and payment of his debt to burn the house. He also testified that defendant told him exactly how to…