State v. . Thornton

The defendant was tried on an indictment in which he was charged with the murder of John Brascus Webb. C. S., 4614, and C. S., 4642.

When the action was called for trial, the solicitor for the State announced to the court that he would not contend that on the evidence which he would offer for the State the defendant is guilty of murder in the first degree, but would contend that the defendant is guilty of murder in the second degree or of manslaughter, as the jury should find the facts to be from all the evidence. The defendant entered a plea of not guilty; he relied upon his plea of…