State v. Bryant

Appellant was convicted of murder and armed robbery and sentenced to death. Appellant argues the trial judge erred by denying his motion for a new trial on the basis that law enforcement’s contact with jurors’ family members compromised his right to a fair and impartial jury. We agree.

FACTS

Appellant was indicted for the murder and armed robbery of Horry County Police Officer Dennis Lyden. Jury selection began on Monday, June 18, 2001. The next day, members of the jury pool were examined for the purpose of “death penalty qualification.” On Wednesday, June 20, the parties agreed to select the…