Edwards v. Commonwealth

Opinion

FITZPATRICK, J.

Anthony Keith Edwards (appellant) was convicted in a jury trial of malicious wounding in violation of Code § 18.2-51. The only issue raised on appeal is whether the trial court erred in requiring a transcript of two witnesses’ preliminary hearing testimony before appellant could attempt to impeach them. For the reasons that follow, we reverse the conviction.

On August 7, 1992, Lynwood Williams (Williams) was aiding his cousin, Michael Bowls, who had just been stabbed by appellant’s brother. Williams saw appellant walk past him with a knife, and a moment later, Williams…