Arson and Murder

Arson and Murder

An Assessment of Arson and Murder in California

Abstract

There are many degrees of arson and murder that have been determined throughout the years. With careful research from numerous resources in California, the extent and nature of these degrees and murder cases were investigated. The results, interpretations, and implications for further research are discussed.

An Assessment of Arson and Murder in California

In many states arson is divided into degrees, depending sometimes on the value of the property but more commonly on its use and whether the crime was committed in the day or night. These degrees are named first degree, second degree, and third degree. In the state of California, the burning of an inhabited dwelling house at night is considered first-degree arson. The burning of a building close enough to a dwelling so as to endanger is considered second-degree arson, and the burning of any structure with intent to defraud an insurer is considered third-degree arson.
Murder that results in a crime of arson is also considered a first degree murder. There are some provisions on this penalty in California. It is considered first degree murder if the person whom committed the crime intentionally sets a fire knowing that the fire will kill a person or persons. An arson that resulted in death, but it was only intended to damage property can be reduced to second degree arson. The reduction in the charge is questionable and it only applies depending on the circumstances.
Raymond Lee Oyler started a forest fire in the Esperanza Forest in California. He claimed that he only intended on burning a few acres because he stated that fires amuse him and he likes the smell of them. As a result of Mr. Oyler starting this fire, it resulted in five firefighters being killed. It also threatened thousands of homes, caused numerous evacuations, and burned for almost a week. After careful investigation, the initial story that Mr. Oyler had told was determined to be...

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