People v. Avery

This is an appeal from a judgment following the conviction of the defendant of first-degree murder and imposing the death penalty.

Defendant Herman Avery was charged by information with the murder of two persons—his wife, Catherine Neal Avery, and his mother-in-law, Estella Neal. The trial court appointed counsel for him. He pleaded not guilty and was tried before a jury. The jury found him guilty of murder in the first degree on both charges and without the recommendation of a life sentence. No motion for new trial was made. Judgment of death was imposed. This court appointed counsel to…