People v. Lippert

James E. Lippert appeals from his conviction on one count of murder following a bench trial in the circuit court of Madison County. The trial court found that Lippert had set fire to his house knowing that there was a strong probability that the fire would cause death or great bodily harm to his wife, Ruth. During the fire, Ruth died of asphyxia caused by smoke inhalation. Lippert was sentenced to 40 years in prison.

At about 2:30 a.m. on October 28, 1980, fire broke out in the Lip-pert home. Lippert said he heard the sound of breaking glass and some sort of thumping sound. When he went into…