Liar, Liar, House On Fire – When an Accident Isn't Attempted Murder
Former public defender Patrick Wilson brings us one of his all-time favorite trials — a case where his client faced multiple counts of attempted murder and arson, with the state pushing for life without parole. The supposed crime? Accidentally causing a fire in his ex-girlfriend's house.
With sharp advocacy, Patrick dismantled the prosecution's "murder-by-fire" theory and showed the jury that what happened was an accident, not a crime. The result: not guilty on everything.
It's part thriller, part legal clinic, and all the reason you'll be shouting at the end: "How did the state even think this was a case?"
Episode guide
Derived from official public show notes. Review primary source material before treating tags as case facts.
Key points from the show notes
- Former public defender Patrick Wilson brings us one of his all-time favorite trials — a case where his client faced multiple counts of attempted murder and arson, with the state pushing for life without parole.
- With sharp advocacy, Patrick dismantled the prosecution's "murder-by-fire" theory and showed the jury that what happened was an accident, not a crime.
Trial or closing note
The official show notes do not identify a single closing or argument moment for this episode.
Transcript availability
No captured public transcript is linked to this episode in the project archive.
The guide below is based on official public show notes.