Jones v. State

Beasley, Judge.

Defendant appeals his conviction of trafficking in cocaine, OCGA § 16-13-31 (a) (1) (B).

1. Defendant, who is black, asserts error in the denial of his motion under Batson v. Kentucky, 476 U. S. 79 (106 SC 1712, 90 LE2d 69) (1986). He contends that the State never satisfactorily explained its peremptory strikes of prospective black jurors. That question is not reached. Eight of the twelve jurors who tried defendant were black. Defendant failed to carry his burden of establishing a prima facie showing of discrimination. Thus the State’s explanation is inconsequential. Williams v.…