People v. Cwikla

The defendant was convicted of the crimes of murder, manslaughter in the second degree, possession of a dangerous instrument as a misdemeanor and two counts of burglary in the first degree.

Although there was sufficient evidence to justify the jury’s verdict, the prejudicial effect of cumulative errors deprived the defendant of a fair trial and accordingly, the judgment must be reversed and a new trial directed.

The heart of the defense rested upon the claim of alibi. In that connection several witnesses, including defendant’s sister and a neighbor, testified that the defendant was at home on…