State v. McKnight

McKnight was indicted for homicide by child abuse and distribution of cocaine after giving birth to a stillborn infant which had benzoylecgonine, a substance metabolized by cocaine, in its system. At the conclusion of the state’s evidence, the trial court granted McKnight a directed verdict on the distribution of crack cocaine charge. 1 The state appeals the grant of a directed verdict to McKnight.

In State v. Holliday, 255 S.C. 142, 177 S.E.2d 541 (1970), this Court recognized limited situations where the state may appeal, stating,

While a limited right of appeal in criminal cases has been…