Braswell v. State

James Thomas Braswell was indicted by the Jefferson County (Bessemer Division) Grand Jury under a one-count indictment charging him with "unlawfully, and with malice aforethought," killing Sharlon Dianne Braswell, "by beating her with a rifle, or some other unknown blunt instrument."

The appellant was duly arraigned, with his attorney present, and entered a plea of not guilty and not guilty by reason of insanity.

On October 28, 1977, the circuit court of Jefferson County ordered the appellant delivered to Bryce State Hospital at Tuscaloosa, Alabama, for observation and examination to determine…