Fatal Arson Conviction in Pennsylvania Chucked

(CN) – New science about a fatal 1989 fire exonerates a man convicted of killing his mentally ill daughter, the Third Circuit ruled, affirming habeas relief.
The fire in question engulfed a cabin in Monroe County, Pa., where Han Tak Lee and his daughter, Ji Yun Lee, were staying for a religious retreat.
Ji Yun Lee\’s mental illness had given her suicidal and homicidal ideation throughout her life, according to the ruling.
Before the Lees went to Pennsylvania, police officers had observed the daughter in a manic state at their New York home, unharmed but arguing with family members who were urging her to take her medications, according to the ruling.
The court said Ji Yun Lee\’s erratic behavior continued at the retreat. In the hours before the late-night fire, the woman jumped into a body of water and later had to be physically restrained.