BALZOURT v. State

MORRIS, Judge.

Mourad Balzourt appeals his convictions for first-degree murder and abuse of a dead human body. Because the State’s evidence was insufficient to prove premeditation, we conclude that the trial court erred in denying Balzourt’s motion for judgment of acquittal on the charge of first-degree murder. We also conclude that the trial court abused its discretion in admitting Williams 1 rule evidence. Accordingly, we reverse and remand for a new trial on the charges of second-degree murder and abuse of a dead human body.

Balzourt was convicted of murdering his girlfriend, Solymarie…