Commonwealth v. Robinson

After trial by jury, the defendant was convicted in 1969 of murder in the first degree (two indictments) and armed assault with intent to rob (two indictments). We affirmed the convictions after plenary review under G. L. c. 278, § 33E. See Commonwealth v. McGrath, 358 Mass. 314 (1970). In 1980, the defendant filed a pro se motion for a new trial, see Mass. R. Crim. P. 30 (b), 378 Mass. 900 (1979), and a motion for appointment of counsel. After the appointment of counsel, the defendant filed an amended motion for a new trial in November, 1980. A judge of the Superior Court denied the motion…