Schuessler v. State

OPINION

WARD, Justice.

This is an appeal from a conviction for murder. The jury assessed punishment at thirty years confinement. We reverse and remand.

Appellant was convicted of the strangulation murder of his four year-old daughter. He, his wife, and his child were residing in Phoenix, Arizona. Appellant was described as a very loving father, carrying much of the child-rearing responsibility due to his wife’s alcoholism. In October, 1979, Appellant’s behavior began to radically change in all respects other than his relationship to his daughter. He became increasingly withdrawn and suspicious.…