Ogletree v. State

While I concur fully in the majority opinion and judgment, I write separately to emphasize the legal framework applicable in double jeopardy cases where the prior case ended in a mistrial due to the unavailability of a critical state witness.

It is true that under certain circumstances, the unavailability of a critical state witness can create a manifest necessity which will allow a mistrial without prohibiting retrial under the Double Jeopardy Clause. See Wade v. Hunter, 336 U. S. 684 (69 SC 834, 93 LE 974) (1949); Spearman v. State, 278 Ga. 327, 329 (1) (602 SE2d 568) (2004); Humphrey v.…