Arsonist dies in court after drinking unknown liquid The convicted arsonist died after drinking an unknown substance during sentencing. Michael Marin guilty of burning down his $3.5m home Convicted man took a sip of unknown liquid, collapses Paramedics were unable to revive him AN Arizona man convicted today of deliberately burning down his $US3.5 million mansion in 2009 collapsed and died in the courtroom after the verdict was read. A Phoenix jury found 53-year-old Scottsdale man Michael Marin guilty of arson of an occupied structure. Shortly after he heard the verdict, video showed Marin taking a drink from a bottle of an unknown liquid. He then made a choking or throat-clearing noise, wheeled his chair around, and collapsed on the floor. Paramedics attended to him, but could not save his life. Marin was not in custody during the trial and it is possible he deliberately harmed himself. Marin's mansion burned down in July 2009. He told authorities he escaped the blaze by climbing down a rope ladder while wearing a scuba tank and diving mask to protect himself from the smoke. Prosecutors claimed Marin set fire to his house because he could no longer pay the mortgage. Read more about the court case at myfoxphoenix.com If you or someone you know may be at risk of suicide contact Lifeline 13 11 14, beyondblue 1300 22 46 36, or Salvo Care Line 1300 36 36 22.