Appellate Division throws out conviction in arson case

December 5, 2000

Court persuaded by attorney’s arguments

On December 5, 2000, the Superior Court of New Jersey, Appellate Division, reversed the conviction of Matthew Cavanaugh who had been convicted of arson in connection with a massive fire at the National Wholesale Liquidators in Lodi, New Jersey in the Bergen County Superior Court.

Cavanaugh was represented by Hackensack attorney Kevin G. Roe. In overturning the conviction, the court stated in its opinion “The dispositive point argued by M.C. is that the State failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. We agree.”

“What the whole thing came down to was there was no evidence establishing that he was responsible for starting the fire,” said Roe. “He has steadfastly maintained his innocence throughout the trial.”

Read more: http://njlaw.rutgers.edu/collections/courts/appellate/a5799-98.opn.html