EVERLING v. State

SHEPARD, Chief Justice.

A jury found appellant Steven W. Ever-ling guilty of three counts of child molesting and two counts of sexual misconduct with a minor, Although Everling raises several grounds for reversal, we address only whether the judge's conduct during the trial deprived him of a fair trial. Because we conclude that the court's overall conduct evidenced partiality, we reverse and remand for a new trial.

Facts and Procedural History

Steven Everling's stepdaughter K.P. accused him of fondling her and forcing her into sexual intercourse and oral sex. On February 25, 2008, the State…