State v. Scott

Herbert C. Rule III, Special Justice.

This case comes before us on appeal by the State of Arkansas under Arkansas Rules of Criminal Procedure 36.10(c) to review the decision of the trial court granting a new trial to Scotty Scott (“Scott”) based on newly discovered evidence. We affirm the grant of a new trial.

Scott was convicted of first degree murder and aggravated robbery in the death of Betty Thornton on November 6, 1981. While that judgment was on appeal to the Arkansas Court of Appeals, counsel for Scott discovered new evidence in the form of a confession by Henry Lucas (“Lucas”). The…