People v. Mason

Mr. PRESIDING JUSTICE MILLS

delivered the opinion of the court:

The defendant before us is a self-admitted liar.

But did he commit perjury as defined by our statute?

We fear not — and we are compelled to reverse.

The facts are not in great issue. On August 21, 1975, David Grinestaff was murdered during a gas station stickup. During the investigation, defendant Leon Mason contacted a Danville officer with information about the crime. Mason testified before a grand jury implicating James Dumas and Dumas was ultimately convicted for the murder, which was affirmed by this court on appeal. People v.…