State v. Skaggs

HOLOHAN, Justice.

Paul Skaggs was tried and convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to confinement for twenty-five years to life. A timely appeal was filed.

The evidence at trial disclosed that on July 4, 1976 Wayne Norris, a neighbor of the defendant, introduced the defendant to the deceased, Frank Wright. Norris was aware that Wright was a homosexual, and Norris suggested that the defendant become friendly with Wright. The defendant was opposed to the idea of forming any friendship with Wright. Norris, however, succeeded in getting the defendant to talk to Wright.

Norris left the…