Ex Parte Cook

We granted the petition for the writ of certiorari to examine two issues: (1) whether the State proved a sufficient chain of custody of certain items of evidence; and (2) whether the trial court abused its discretion in not ordering a new trial based on newly discovered evidence. Because of missing links in the chain of custody, we reverse and remand for a new trial.

Between 1:00 and 1:30 a.m. on September 15, 1990, Michael Dewayne Hunter was stabbed to death with a knife at his home in Birmingham. Members of the Birmingham Police Department, including Officer Belinda Weldon, were called to…