Ritchie v. State

OPINION

BRETT, Presiding Judge:

The appellant, Karen Sue Ritchie, was tried for the crime of Murder in the Second Degree in Case No. CRF-78-20, in the District Court of Kay County. A jury found the appellant guilty as charged and fixed punishment at seventy-five (75) years’ imprisonment.

Early on the morning of February 6, 1978, three (3) year old Suzanne Ritchie arrived at the Ponca City Hospital. Despite a valiant rescue attempt, the child was pronounced dead shortly after her arrival. A preliminary observation of the child’s body revealed numerous contusions, wounds and teeth marks. The…