Alvarez v. State

Carlos Alvarez appeals his conviction and sentence for false imprisonment, burglary with assault or battery, and strong arm robbery. Due to the cumulative effect of the trial court’s errors and the lack of evidence connecting Alvarez to the robbery, we reverse.

The victim was at home on the afternoon of April 2, 1998, when she heard the sound of a key turning in the front door lock. Thinking her sister had returned home, she was approaching the front door when two unknown men entered the apartment. The men wore gloves, but no masks. One man covered the victim’s mouth with his hand and forced…