People v. Clinkscales
Opinion of the Court
— Judgment unanimously af
The court did not err in refusing to charge arson in the fourth degree (Penal Law § 150.05) as a lesser included offense of arson in the second degree. There is no reasonable view of the evidence which would support a finding that defendant "recklessly” started the fire. Rather, the record indicates that two separate and "uncommunicated” fires were set. There is also evidence that defendant pushed two burning chairs up against the front door of the house to block the occupants from exiting.
We have reviewed the other claims of error raised on appeal and find them to be without merit. (Appeal from judgment of Supreme Court, Erie County, Marshall, J. — arson, second degree.) Present — Dillon, P. J., Callahan, Green, Pine and Balio, JJ.
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.