Broyles v. Commonwealth

COMBS, Justice.

George Richard Broyles appeals from a sentence of life imprisonment imposed after a jury found him guilty of the murder of Billy D. Smithers. He urges as grounds for reversal: (1) Improper cross-examination of defense witnesses by the Assistant' Commonwealth’s Attorney; (2) erroneous instructions; (3) improper argument by the Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney.

The appellant introduced several witnesses who testified that his reputation for peace and quietude was good. These witnesses were asked on cross-examination if they knew appellant had been arrested and convicted on…