A recreational user in my home town back in Illinois had a dispute with a some-time girl friend. He went to her home and set fire to it in such a way that the three children inside could not escape, and neither could the mother (not the same as the girlfriend).

His plea, I understand, is that he was high at the time and therefore not responsible for his actions.

When the neighbors caught him (he was standing around watching the fire, telling everyone that he'd done it to "teach that bitch") it was all the police could do to prevent a lynching. He is African-American, as are the neighbors.

I know the neighborhood. They're great people and not easily aroused, but the burning alive of four innocent people was more than they could stomach.

I suspect there will be a change of venue, as I doubt that he can get a "fair trial" in town.