McDonald v. State

Appellant was indicted for murder in the first degree and the jury found him guilty of murder in the second degree and fixed his punishment at 35 years in the penitentiary. Prior to arraignment and trial appellant was found to be indigent and counsel was appointed to represent him. He pleaded not guilty and not guilty by reason of insanity. After sentence was imposed he gave notice of appeal and was furnished a free transcript. Trial counsel was appointed to represent appellant on appeal.

The evidence was in sharp conflict in many respects. The State produced an eyewitness to the shooting of…