Ex Parte Merton

This is a petition for writ of habeas corpus brought by Clarence Merton, an inmate in the penitentiary, wherein he seeks his release from the custody of C. P. Burford, warden of the State Penitentiary.

In his petition he alleges the cause of his restraint' is the judgment and sentence and commitment to life imprisonment entered against him on March. 6, 1947, in the district court of Tulsa county, wherein he was charged with the crime of first degree murder. In said petition and the brief in support thereof it further appears that his case was called for trial and he announced ready. Without…