State v. Cooper

BILLINGS, Chief Judge.

Defendant Frank Cooper was convicted of second-degree murder [§ 559.020, RSMo 1969] by a Dunklin County jury and sentenced by the trial court under the Second Offender Act [§ 556.280, RSMo 1969] 1 to a 50-year prison term. We affirm.

This appeal vividly demonstrates the inherent difficulties of a criminal defendant attempting to obtain appellate review of his conviction by proceeding pro se. 2 Shortly after the defendant’s court-appointed trial attorneys filed the notice of appeal, the defendant discharged his attorneys.

The transcript was completed by the court reporter…