State v. Pienick

Citations

• 46 Wash. 522
• 90 P. 645
• 1907 Wash. LEXIS 655

Syllabus

<p>Arson — Corpus Delicti — Evidence. In a prosecution for arson' the corpus delicti is not established by the fact of the burning of a building, as the presumption is that it was by accident or natural causes.</p> <p>Same — Suteiciency oe Evidence. A conviction for arson is not sustained by purely circumstantial evidence creating a suspicion against the accused, unless he is connected with the crime beyond a reasonable doubt, or the circumstances are irreconcilable with his innocence; and where such evidence is consistent with the hypothesis of his innocence, and absolutely no motive was shown, the corpus delicti was not established beyond a reasonable doubt and the supreme court will reverse the judgment; although the trial court refused to set aside a vérdict of guilty.</p>