United States v. William Dean Hedgcorth, United States of America v. Franklin Joseph Camper

The government charged William Dean Hedgcorth and Franklin Joseph Camper with multiple violations of federal explosives and firearms laws arising out of two automobile firebombings and the attempted firebombing of a house. Both defendants were found guilty of conspiracy to destroy property and to possess and use “incendiary destructive devices,” in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 371 , 844(i) and 924(c), and 26 U.S.C. § 5861 (d); two counts of the knowing use of an “incendiary destructive device” during a federal crime of violence, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924 (c); and racketeering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1962 (c), 1963(a). Hedgcorth and Camper appeal on the ground that the firebombs which they allegedly used did not constitute “destructive devices” within the meaning of 18 U.S. C. § 921(a)(4) because they were incapable of being thrown, wielded or aimed. In addition, Camper argues that various evi-dentiary rulings made by the trial court deprived him of his right to present a defense, the right to confront adverse witnesses, and the right to a fair trial. We affirm.

FACTS

The evidence, viewed in the light most favorable to the government, established the following facts.

In…