The PEOPLE v. Cage

On November 9, 1934, following a joint trial by jury, Robert Cage and Edward Smith were found guilty of murdering Charles Harakopas and their punishment fixed at 99 years imprisonment. Subsequent pro se writs of error resulted in review of the common law record and affirmance of both convictions by this court and denial of certiorari by the Supreme Court of the United States. Thereafter post-conviction proceedings before different trial judges resulted in denial of Cage’s petition and allowance of a new trial for Smith. The State subsequently nolled as to Smith, and he was released. As to…