Timeline of Case

December 5th, 1998 14-year-old Michael and his friend Josh wake up to find Rita Politte on fire
They run next door and tell his uncle and aunt. Emergency services arrive
Michael and Josh are questioned
Michael was given a voice stress analysis test and failed. Fire Marshall dog smells gasoline on his shoes
On December 7th 1998 Michael is arrested for his mother’s murder
He was offered a plea deal for 15 years and he declined it
He was allowed only to attend some of her funeral
While in Juvenile detention he attempted suicide
An alleged confession occurred shortly after the suicide attempt
He was tried as an adult in 2002 at age 18
In less than 5 hours he was found to be guilty and sentenced to life in prison