New Trial for Man who Killed a 4 Year Old in an Oven in 1984?


Original 1984 Case and Trial:
Lane Photo Source: Duhaime
John Lane was sentenced to life in prison because he put his girlfriend's, Cynthia Palmer, daughter into an oven where she burned to death.

Palmer supposedly tried to intervene, but Lane beat his girlfriend unconscious.  Lane pushed the girl into the oven and propped a chair against it, so she couldn't come out, and turned the heat to the highest setting. Court evidence showed that the girl suffered a severe scalp laceration before she was placed into the oven.

The police were brought to the scene because they noticed a smell and smoke from the apartment. Some of the neighbors complained about loud religious music coming from the apartment, and that they heard the little girl screaming, "Let me out, daddy, let me out!" The police officer who discovered the scene quit his job soon after because he was disturbed by what he saw.

Lane pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, but his defense fell apart. He said that he thought the little girl had turned into a demon and was trying to kill him. Lane was sentenced to life in prison in 1985. The Maine Supreme Court upheld his conviction in 1987.

Lane Photo Source: ABC13
Current Court Appeal: Lane is trying to appeal twenty years after the court decision because he was not mentally sound enough to ask for an appeal previously. Lane believes that his lawyer did a poor job explaining his mental state in his trial in 1985. Lane wanted his mental health records included in the evidence during the trial, and for his attorney to challenge statements by the opposing side's psychiatrist who said that Lane understood the wrongfulness of his actions. He has been treated for psychosis since his imprisonment.

Comments from Allen:

This is a very old case, and I am surprised the appeals court even considered this motion for a new trial.  Lane's appeal failed long ago, and courts do not like to revisit cases they have already decided, even if they decided the case wrongly the first time around.  Rules concerning such appeals are designed to give inmates one bite at the proverbial apple, so they have every incentive to get all of the issues on the table once, to prevent judicial inefficiency.

This inmate apparently invoked the "post-conviction relief act" to allow the court to consider his mental deficiencies that allegedly prevented him from getting fair treatment the first time around.  It may all be true.  His conduct was absolutely deranged, and during the time he has spent in prison, he has required extensive mental health treatment.

Allen Browning is an attorney in Idaho Falls, Idaho who handles personal injury and criminal defense. He has over 30 years of experience and handled thousands of cases. Allen work with cases from all over Idaho. Call (208) 542-2700 to set up a free consultation if you are facing legal trouble or you have been involved in an accident.
Also, check out browninglaw.net for more information about Allen and Browning Law.


Allen Browning can help with all personal injury claims including motor vehicle accidents, serious and disabling accidents, and wrongful death claims. Allen Browning can also help with DUI, Felony, Misdemeanor, Domestic Violence, Drug Crimes, Theft, Juvenile Crimes, Violent Crimes, and Probation/Parole Violations. He is one of the most experienced and successful criminal defense attorneys in Idaho.

Sources for more information:
http://abc13.com/news/man-who-killed-4-year-old-in-oven-may-get-new-trial/759968/

http://www.courtchatter.com/#!Man-Convicted-of-Killing-Girl-4-in-Oven-May-Get-New-Trial/c1oiw/556c6d880cf21fee13c9d719

http://www.duhaime.org/LawMag/LawArticle-1342/The-Case-of-Angela-Palmer-Raises-the-Spectre-of-the-Death-Penalty.aspx

http://www.wcvb.com/news/man-serving-life-sentence-for-putting-auburn-girl-in-hot-oven-seeks-new-trial/33308088

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