Heard v. State

First degree murder; sentence: life imprisonment.

The homicide in question occurred on January 18, 1974, at the Atmore State Prison (now Fountain Correctional Facility). The murder took place during a prison riot, which inmates termed a "revolution."

Appellant was convicted of the murder of correctional officer Luell W. Barrow. Other inmates have also been tried and convicted of crimes resulting from the riot. Johnny Harris was convicted of first degree murder for his complicity in the killing of Officer Barrow, pursuant to Title 14, § 319, Code of Alabama 1940, and was sentenced to death. That…