Smith v. State

797 So.2d 854 (2001)

Christopher SMITH a/k/a Christopher Baines Smith

v.

STATE of Mississippi.

No. 1999-KA-00606-SCT.

Supreme Court of Mississippi.

January 18, 2001.

Thomas L. Kesler, Columbus, for Appellant.

Office of the Attorney General by Charles W. Maris, Jr., for Appellee.

EN BANC.

WALLER, Justice, for the Court:

INTRODUCTION

¶ 1. Appellant Christopher Smith was indicted for the murder of Joshua Jones, his cousin. At trial, during closing argument by Smith's attorney, the bailiff prematurely called time before counsel could make his argument for the lesser offense of manslaughter. There was no…